The Philippines has initiated a safeguard investigation concerning cement imports. According to the notification, "[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 should be directed to the Bureau of Import Services (BIS), Department of Trade and Industry, located at 3rd Floor, Tara Building, #389 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. These submissions must be made within five days from the notice's publication date.
The non-confidential report detailing evidence of findings by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is accessible online at www.dti.gov.ph/advisories/sg_notice-of-initiation_cement/.
The notification related to this investigation can be found under G/SG/N/6/PHL/21.
A safeguard investigation aims to assess if increased imports of a specific product are causing or threatening serious injury to domestic industries. During this process, importers, exporters, and other stakeholders may present evidence and opinions while responding to others' presentations.
Under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, a member nation may impose temporary import restrictions if it is determined that increased imports cause or threaten serious injury.