Glass fabricators welcome DTI probe on surge of printed glass imports

A group of glass fabricators yesterday hailed Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II for ordering an investigation on the import surge of figured glass and mirrors from various countries, as it aired its objection over the request of Asahi Glass Philippines (AGP) for increased tariff protection.

"We welcome such investigation but we suggest that Secretary Roxas also invite the owners and representatives of small-and medium-sized glass companies to present their side on issues affecting the domestic glass industry," the group said.

On the tariff increase requested by AGP, the group said it would have adverse and crippling effects on the operations of over 2,000 glass and mirror fabricators which directly employ more than 12,000 workers.

High tariff, according to the group, "is an artificial wall to protect and benefit only Asahi Glass which, at present, dominates and controls about 70 to 80 percent of the local glass market."

"We categorically state that Asahi Glass Philippines is taking advantage and unfairly using the provisions of RA 8800 for its own interest. For the DTI to adhere to Asahi’s request to impose provisional and definitive safeguard measures against the importation of figured glass, mirrors and float glass, would only lead to its monopoly of the products. And besides, it is in conflict to our government’s program of open and fair competition," the group said.

Imported figured glass is used for windows, indoor partitions, shower enclosures, screens, doors and fluorescent fixtures of residence, offices and industrial buildings. Glass mirrors, on the other, are used for wardrobes, doors, bathrooms furniture, projection screens, display cases, decorative wall and ceiling/pillar cases.

The group said Asahi’s petition to the DTI to stop the importation of figured glass is aimed at preventing small-and medium-sized glass factories from expanding their business. "Gusto lamang talaga ng Asahi na ma-monopolize nila ang glass industry which they have done so for the last 40 years."

The approval of safeguard measures, the group added, will translate directly to increased cost of inputs for small- and medium-sized fabricators especially in these trying times. "A high margin of tariff will increase the cost of imported glass thereby granting Asahi the opportunity to increase the price of domestic glass and mirrors.