On 4 November 2024, the Philippines notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 31 October 2024 a “preliminary safeguard investigation” on cement, classifiable in 2523.2990 and 2523.9000.
In a document submitted together with the notification, the Philippines indicated, among other things:
“[I]nterested parties are invited to submit their comments and position on the matter, including their views on whether the imposition of a safeguard measure is in the public interest. Submissions may be made to the Bureau of Import Services (BlS), Department of Trade and Industry, 3rd Floor, Tara Building, #389 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, within five (5) days from this notice's publication date. The non-confidential report of the Study containing evidence of the DTI's findings can be accessed at this link: www.dti.gov.ph/advisories/sg_notice-of-initiation_cement/ ”
Further to the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the WTO hereby notifies the Committee on Safeguards of initiating a preliminary safeguard investigation on the importation of cement from various countries.
1 Date of Initiation of the Investigation
Notice of initiation of preliminary safeguard investigation was published on 31 October 2024 in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
2 Product Subject to the Investigation
Cement is classified in the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) 2523.2990 and 2523.9000.
3 Reasons for Initiation of Investigation Procedure
The investigation was initiated based on import data obtained from official sources and information submitted by members of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines that increased imports of cement are a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry in terms of declining market share, production sales, capacity utilisation, profitability, price depression, suppression and undercutting.
The investigation has been initiated to determine whether safeguard measures are warranted.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product is causing, or is threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.
During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.
A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.