DTI imposes P349/MT safeguard duty on cement imports from China, Indonesia

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed a safeguard duty of P349 per metric ton on cement imports from China and Indonesia, according to a report by BusinessWorld . The measure is intended to support domestic cement producers amid rising imports.

In Department Administrative Order No. 26-03, series of 2026, the DTI removed China and Indonesia from the list of developing countries exempt from safeguard duties. The order takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

The safeguard duty aims to level the playing field for local cement manufacturers, who have faced competition from cheaper imports. The DTI's decision follows an investigation that found a surge in cement imports from the two countries causing serious injury to the domestic industry.