Cement traders hit DTI’s motu propio probe 0 SHARES Share it! In its response to the DTI’s motu propio investigation, cement importers presented data to help correct understanding of the DTI “for a balanced view of the current state of affairs of the cement industry.”“There is no substantial case of, or are threatening to substantially cause, serious injury to the domestic industry,” said the letter addressed to DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez. The DTI has already notified the WTO that it has initiated a motu propio investigation against cement imports citing the Safeguard Measures Act. The basis of the Motu Propio initiation of preliminary safeguard measures investigation on the importation of cement has been proven unfounded and without rationale by the very industry which asked for relief.”Importers admitted that except for 2016 and 2017, cement imports to the Philippines were minimal. The estimated shortfall in cement supply during 2016-2017 was 2.47 MMT and 2.98 MMT, respectively, with local manufacturers importing 67 percent and 36 percent of total over the same period.

Source: Manila Bulletin September 30, 2018 13:52 UTC