Philippines: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has backed a recommendation from the Tariff Commission (TC) to repeal import duties on Ordinary Portland Cement and Blended Cement. The so-called safeguard measures were originally introduced in October 2019 for a period of three years, according to the Philippine Star newspaper. The latest investigation by the TC was started due to a request by the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CEMAP). However, it found that the domestic cement industry was generally profitable and it said, “There is no existence of an imminent threat of serious injury and significant overall impairment to the position of the domestic cement industry in the near future.” CEMAP said it was saddened by the recommendation of the TC and that it would jeopardise the local sector’s progress.
