Review of anti-dumping duty on cement imports starts

MANILA, Philippines —  The Tariff Commission (TC) has started its review of the anti-dumping duty slapped on cement imports from Vietnam.

In a notice, the TC said it initiated yesterday the interim review of the anti-dumping duty imposed on imports of Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement Type 1P from Vietnam following the recommendations and endorsements of Trade Secretary Cristina Roque on requests made by the domestic industry and a foreign exporter.

In particular, firms such as Republic Cement and Building Materials Inc., Holcim Philippines Inc. and Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. have requested an interim review of the anti-dumping duty on imports of Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement Type 1P from Vietnam, as well as the scope of imposition to include Blended Cement Type 1T and previously excluded foreign exporters.

Foreign exporter NCL Trading Joint Stock Company’s request, meanwhile, covers the interim review of the anti-dumping duty on Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 from Vietnam.

“Considering that both requests for interim review raised issues involving common questions of law or fact, said requests shall be consolidated and only one interim review shall be undertaken by the commission,” the TC said.

It also said the domestic industry would be considered the petitioner for the consolidated requests.

An interim review is conducted by the TC upon the direction of the trade secretary or upon petition of any interested party to determine if the continued imposition of the anti-dumping duty is no longer necessary, or if the existing duty is not sufficient to counteract the dumping that is causing injury.

An interim review can only take place at least one year after the imposition of the anti-dumping duty.

Dumping happens when foreign manufacturers sell their products to an importer in the Philippines at prices below the normal value in their home country.

In February last year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a Department Administrative Order for the imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement Type 1P from Vietnam for a period of five years, citing imminent near future threat of material injury to the domestic industry.

As part of the interim review, the TC is set to hold a preliminary conference on Dec.6, to discuss the timelines, nature of investigation, conduct of onsite inspection and data verification and other activities and topics that will help in the disposition of the case.