Philippines extends cement safeguard duties to China, Indonesia

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry has expanded its safeguard measures on cement imports to include shipments from China and Indonesia after volumes from both countries exceeded the exemption threshold, according to the state-run Philippine News Agency June 2.

Under Department Administrative Order No. 26-03 issued May 20, cement imports from China and Indonesia are now subject to a safeguard duty of Peso 14 per 40-kg bag, equivalent to Peso 349/metric ton ($6/mt), according to the statement.

Only imports accounting for less than 3% of the total volume are exempt from the definitive safeguard measure, with recent data showing shipments from both countries rising above this threshold, the DTI said.

China's share of total cement imports increased to about 23% in the first quarter from 11% in 2025, while Indonesia's share rose to about 8% from 6% over the same period, the statement, citing import data, showed.

Total cement imports reached about 6.02 million metric tons in 2025, with another 1.29 million mt arriving in the first three months of 2026, reflecting continued reliance on overseas supply.

Vietnam was the largest source of imported cement to the Philippines, accounting for 79% of shipments in 2025 and about 63% in Q1, the data showed.

The DTI said the safeguard duty rate will be subject to regular review in line with the country's Safeguard Measures Act, allowing adjustments depending on future import developments.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed cement (ASTM type I) FOB Vietnam at $39.50/mt May 28, up from $39/mt the previous week. Platts assessed cement clinker FOB Vietnam at $34/mt, up from $33.50/mt FOB the previous week.