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The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently released its preliminary findings on the safeguard investigation regarding imported cement. The investigation covers products under HS codes 2523.29.90 and 2523.90.00, examining imports from 2019 to June 2024.
Following the initiation notice on October 31, 2024, the DTI sent questionnaires to relevant parties, including exporters from Vietnam. Among the known foreign exporters, five Vietnamese companies submitted official responses to the DTI.
According to the preliminary findings, cement imports into the Philippines increased in both absolute volume and relative share of total domestic production from 2019 to 2024. The DTI also identified a causal link between this surge in imports and serious injury to the domestic industry. Notably, data revealed that Vietnam held the highest share of cement imports into the Philippines, reaching 94.4% in 2024, a sharp rise from 79.4% in 2019.
Under Section 8 of Republic Act 8800, in cases where delays may cause irreparable harm, the DTI decided to impose provisional safeguard measures. Specifically, importers must post a cash deposit of 400 pesos per metric ton (approximately 178,500 VND/MT) or 16 pesos per 40kg bag of cement (around 7,140 VND/bag).
This measure will remain in effect for 200 days from the issuance of the tariff order by the Philippine Bureau of Customs. Vietnam is not exempt from these safeguard measures, as its cement imports into the Philippines exceed the threshold for developing country exemptions.
Next, the case will be referred to the Tariff Commission for a formal investigation to determine whether long-term safeguard measures are necessary.
In recent years, bilateral trade between Vietnam and the Philippines has achieved significant milestones. In 2024, total trade turnover between the two countries exceeded $8.66 billion, marking an increase of over 11% compared to 2023. Vietnam’s exports to the Philippines reached $6.19 billion, up 20.2%, while imports from the Philippines stood at $2.47 billion, down 6.7% from the previous year. Vietnam’s trade surplus with the Philippines in 2024 amounted to $3.72 billion, surpassing the earlier target of $3.5 billion.
In 2024, Vietnam exported approximately 8 million tons of cement and clinker to the Philippines, valued at $319.09 million, with an average price of $39.9 per ton. Compared to 2023, export volume declined by 0.6%, export value dropped by 11%, and average price decreased by 10.5%. The Philippines remained Vietnam’s largest market for cement and clinker, accounting for 27% of total export volume and 28% of total export revenue for these products.
To protect their legitimate interests, manufacturers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the procedure and actively contact Vietnamese law firms specializing in anti-dumping and trade remedy for timely assistance.
ASL Law is a leading full-service and independent Vietnamese law firm made up of experienced and talented lawyers. ASL Law is ranked as the top tier Law Firm in Vietnam by Legal500, Asia Law, WTR, and Asia Business Law Journal. Based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the firm’s main purpose is to provide the most practical, efficient and lawful advice to its domestic and international clients. If we can be of assistance, please email to [email protected].
ASL LAW is the top-tier Vietnam law firm for Anti-dumping & countervailing. If you need any advice, please contact us for further information or collaboration.
