The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will soon enforce emergency tariffs on imported cement after a safety investigation found rising import volumes harming the local industry.
The tariffs add P400 per metric ton, or about P16 per 40-kilo bag of cement, prompting the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) to call for their removal.
UFCC warns that the higher costs will likely be passed to consumers, driving up cement prices and fueling inflation.
UFCC President RJ Javellana also expressed concern that big businesses might manipulate prices, benefiting from the tariffs.
He urged the government to strike a balance between consumer and producer interests to prevent inflation and curb cartel control in the cement market.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 22, 2025
