Cement Industry Faces Challenges as Imports Surge Amid Housing Demand Boom

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) has expressed support for the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) probe into the growing influx of imported cement, which local producers say threatens their viability. 

CeMAP applauded DTI Secretary Cristina Roque for tackling the issue, highlighting the detrimental effects of cheaper foreign cement on the local industry, particularly from nations like Vietnam that export excess production.

Renato Baja, CeMAP’s executive director, emphasized that the Philippine cement industry has the capacity to produce 50 million tons annually—well beyond the national demand of around 35 million tons. 

However, local producers are facing fierce competition from imports, despite sourcing nearly 100% of their raw materials locally and producing cement that meets Philippine National Standards (PNS) for quality and safety.

Despite these challenges, Baja remains optimistic, highlighting that local cement producers are investing in energy-saving technologies to improve cost-efficiency, underlining the recently passed Tatak Pinoy Act, which encourages the use of Philippine-made products, as a critical measure to help local manufacturers compete with imports.

Additionally, the Philippine cement industry is experiencing growth driven by increased demand from the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program.

With the government’s housing program and continued private sector growth, CeMAP remains confident that the local cement industry can meet the rising demand for housing and infrastructure, as long as the government supports fair competition and local manufacturing through policies like the Tatak Pinoy Act.

SOURCE:

Philippine News Agency

Panay News