Local cement makers warned to brace for flood of imports

Local cement manufacturers should gear up to be more competitive in anticipation of an influx of imported cement following the final ruling of the Supreme Court on the lifting of the safeguard duty on imported cement, a top trade official said.

Trade and Industry Undersecretary and Board of Investments officer-in-charge Elmer Hernandez warned local cement manufacturers of tougher competition after the en banc decision of the SC lifting the safeguard tariffs on imported cement.

Hernandez pointed out that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can no longer do anything to help the local cement manufacturers regarding the SC ruling. "The DTI will abide by the SC ruling."

The DTI had earlier protected the local cement industry by imposing a safeguard duty on imported cement about three years ago.

However, the imposition of the safeguard duty was challenged by one importer on the ground that the Tariff Commission had earlier found that there was no reason to impose a safeguard duty since it found no evidence of dumping.

The Tariff Commission finding and recommendation was set aside by the DTI, however, and a safeguard duty was imposed.

But the SC, in reviewing the case, said it believes the Tariff Commission’s decision cannot be overturned by the Trade and Industry Secretary.