UMVA has learned that a significant development has taken place in the Philippines' cement industry, as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed a safeguard duty of P349 per metric ton on cement imports from China and Indonesia.
This move is aimed at supporting domestic cement producers, who have been struggling to compete with cheaper imports. The DTI's decision was made through Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 26-03, series of 2026, which removed China and Indonesia from the list of developing countries exempt from safeguard measures on imports of ordinary Portland cement and blended cement.
The safeguard duty will be subject to regular review and modification in accordance with Republic Act No. 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act. This ensures that the measure will be adjusted as needed to protect the domestic industry.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the DTI had previously imposed a safeguard duty on cement imports from various countries, except for shipments from developing countries. The Tariff Commission had recommended the imposition of a definitive safeguard duty on cement imports after ruling that imports have caused injury to the domestic industry.
The DTI noted that cement imports from China and Indonesia exceed the less than 3% de minimis threshold, which is the allowable minimum volume to be excluded from safeguard measures. China and Indonesia's share of total import volume in the first quarter was 23% and 8%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Vietnam remains the leading supplier of cement in the Philippines, but its share of total imports declined to 63% in the first three months from 79% in 2025. This shift in market dynamics has significant implications for the domestic industry.
The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) has backed the DTI's decision, calling it “a long-awaited correction that restores fairness, strengthens local manufacturing, and protects jobs.” CeMAP Executive Director Renato Baja emphasized that safeguard measures are crucial for Filipino livelihoods, national industry resilience, and the country’s long-term economic strength.
CeMAP had earlier asked the DTI to impose a safeguard duty on cement imports to level the playing field between imported and domestic cement. The group's support for the DTI's decision highlights the importance of protecting the domestic industry.
