Manila: An official of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (CeMAP) on Monday underscored the protection industry players got from the implementation of the provisional safeguard duty for imported cement. In a statement, CeMAP executive director Rey Baja said the PHP400 per metric ton, or PHP16 per 40-kg. bag duty imposed since March 2025 and which is in place for 200 days, is necessary ‘to ensure the industry remains viable and to protect local jobs.’
According to Philippines News Agency, Baja stated that the safeguard duty is crucial for the national interest by promoting and protecting the local cement industry against what he described as unfair competition from other countries. He expressed confidence that the duty would not lead to higher prices.
The group highlighted that cement imports last year totaled around 7.6 million tons, mostly originating from Vietnam. These inflows, they noted, are unnecessary because the local production capacity was approximately 51 million tons, while demand was lower at around 35 million tons. This discrepancy led to a production decline or losses amounting to around PHP5 billion, job losses, and slower operations.
Baja explained that unlike local players, foreign competitors, particularly Vietnamese cement companies, benefit from government subsidies or incentives, enabling them to sell cement at lower prices. He stressed the importance of protecting local players as the industry supports around 130,000 direct and indirect jobs.