Due process in cement imports duty observed
Credit to Author: TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD| Date: Wed, 22 May 2019 16:16:41 +0000
The Tariff Commission (TC) on Wednesday said it was ‘following due process’ in probing the safeguard duty imposed on imported cement.
TC Member 3 Ernesto Albano said they need more information before deciding on the matter. Albano hinted they may have a resolution on the case next month. “We’re just following due process,” he added.
His pronouncements came after cement manufacturers called for a permanent and higher safeguard duty on imported cement. On Tuesday, the Cement Manufacturer’s Association of the Philippines (Cemap) said cement imports continue to rise, hurting domestic players.
An P8.40 per 40-kilogram (kg) provisional safeguard duty was earlier imposed by the DTI on cement imports to protect the local industry. Upon DTI’s request, the TC is investigating the duty’s imposition.
In a text message to The Manila Times, Albano said they are still gathering supplemental documents and would be having a meeting next month to finish the job. “We gave the parties ‘til May 31 to submit amended/supplemental position papers,” Albano said. “After that, we’ll have collegial meet to decide on TC’s findings/recommendations to the [Trade Secretary], maybe within the month of June,” he added.
The investigation was originally set to be over within 120 days from filing of the motu proprio case by the DTI in February. This means the probe should conclude in May. The TC, however, cancelled the public hearing set on May 6-10 to complete its plant visits and data verification.
The hearings were instead held this week, where Cemap sought for a “higher definitive” tariff rate. While there is no decision yet, “there is a link between imports and this injury specified.” Albano earlier said.
Meanwhile, Albano said they will be looking into the provisional safeguard duty on ceramic floor and wall tile imports after concerns on cement are settled. He said they received the notice last Monday. “Usually, what we have done, when we receive a notice, we form a team,” he said. The schedules for the hearing and market probe, among others, are to be set, Albano said.
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