Imported glass did not cause serious injury to domestic industry, TC finds

The Tariff Commission has terminated its formal investigation on the imported glass products and ruled against the imposition of definitive general safeguard measure on the importations of reflective, tinted and clear float glass after determining that importation did not cause serious injury nor will pose a serious threat to the domestic industry.

In reversing an earlier preliminary determination by the Department of Trade and Industry, TC Chairperson Marilou P. Mendoza said a decision issued on June 30, 2020: “Considering the negative determination of the elements of serious injury and threat thereof, the Commission hereby terminates its formal investigation and recommends that no definitive general safeguard measure be imposed on importations of reflective, tinted and clear float glass falling under AHTN 2017 Subheading No. 7005.10.90, 7005.21.90 and 7005.29.90.”

The TC Final Report concludes that there is a sole float glass manufacturer in the Philippines and the domestic industry requirement under Section 4 (f) of RA No. 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act has been satisfied.

During the period of investigation, TC said that clear, tinted and reflective float glass are being imported into the Philippines in increased quantities, both in absolute terms and relative to domestic product. The increases in the volumes of imports starting in 2018 are considered recent, sudden, sharp, and of such magnitude that can be deemed significant. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat)