DTI probes potential dumping, subsidies of imported cement

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said yesterday stressed that government is looking into the possibility of dumping or subsidies on imported as the agency is pursuing a motu propio investigation on imported cement.

“We are investigating possible subsidies or dumping being done by suppliers. If there’s too much imports of subsidized products, we are helping foreign jobs not Filipino jobs and investment,” said Lopez.

Lopez said that rated’ capacity of the local cement manufacturers is 25 million metric tons (MT) as against demand of 23 million MT. “We are validating this data,” Lopez said.

The Philippine Constructors Association and the Philippine Cement Importers Association said that demand is 32 million metric tons while local production as against local production of 27 MMT.

Cement traders that of the estimated 5 MMT importation, 60 percent is accounted for by importation of local cement firms.

According to Lopez, the government has to balance the interest of investors, consumers and employment.

“It is the duty of DTI to check on industry if there’s injury due to surge in imports. As well as protect consumers. We need to balance all sectors. Investors consumers employment,” said Lopez in a statement.

Lopez also debunked claims that cement will be gone and will hamper the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

“Supply will continue and imports will continue,” he said noting that there is no tariff protection on local manufacturers at present as cement importation is at zero percent.