The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines said Friday it welcomes the Department of Trade and Industry’s imposition of anti-dumping duties against Vietnam cement as a show of support for the investments and development of the domestic cement manufacturing industry.
The Department of Trade of Industry issued Department Administrative Order 22-17, imposing definitive anti-dumping duty against importations of Type 1 and Type 1P cement from certain exporting manufacturers and traders in Vietnam. The move is in line with the Tariff Commission’s recommendation to slap anti-dumping duties because of the existence of imminent threat of material injury to the domestic cement industry.
CeMAP said there is sufficient domestic capacity to serve local demand for cement. “Even without cement imports, the domestic industry is highly competitive with 14 integrated cement plants operating in the country, with a couple more being constructed,” it said.
“With this boost received from DTI, the domestic industry is very much reassured of the partnering and unwavering support from the Philippine government in upholding fair competition in the market. It also increases industry’s resolve to continue pursuing investments, developing further this proudly-local industry in areas such as sustainable manufacturing and greener cement products, generating local employment and other socio-economic benefits for Filipinos, and ultimately contributing to economic recovery and overall nation building,” CeMAP said.