Philippines: The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will impose safeguard duties on cement imports from China and Indonesia after both countries' shipments to the Philippines exceeded the de minimis exemption threshold of 3% of total import volume. Under Department Administrative Order 26-03, the DTI will remove China and Indonesia from the list of developing countries exempted from duties on ordinary Portland cement type 1 and blended cement for three years.
The DTI introduced duties on cement imports in October 2025 after the Tariff Commission found a causal link between increased importation and serious injury to the local industry, with measures taking effect in February 2026. China's share of total import volume rose from 11% in 2025 to 23% in the first quarter of 2026, while Indonesia's share rose by 2 percentage points to 8% over the same period. Vietnam remains the top supplier, though its share declined from 79% in 2025 to 63% in the first quarter of 2026.
DAO 26-03 will take effect upon the issuance of a relevant order by the Bureau of Customs.
