FPI says steel industry also under pressure from imports

THE Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said key domestic producers are facing competitive pressures which merit government intervention, following the safeguard measures imposed on cement imports.

In particular, FPI Chairperson Elizabeth H. Lee said in a statement on Tuesday that “steel is a foundation industry. Without a viable domestic base, downstream manufacturing — from machinery parts to wires, springs, and bearings — cannot compete.”

“Bottom line: industry is united in calling for a trade remedy system that works at the speed of market injury,” she added.

The group said the recently imposed safeguard duties on cement imports are a means of stabilizing the market. The Tariff Commission had ruled that surging imports have done serious injury to domestic cement manufacturers.

“This safeguard is a critical step to stabilize the market, protect local producers, and ensure Philippine cement is not displaced in government infrastructure projects,” Ms. Lee added.

“International trade is vital to the Philippine economy, but when imports are dumped, subsidized, or arrive in disproportionate volumes that injure local producers, trade remedies are not only lawful — they are essential to safeguard industrial viability,” she said. 

“Safeguards are lifelines, not barriers. We welcome decisive action to protect Philippine industries and consumers,” she added.

She said fast, credible, and predictable trade remedy action will help prevent manufacturers from scaling down, laying off workers, and postponing or canceling investment.

“We need to ensure that the Philippine industry can compete on fair and sustainable terms and that trade remedy instruments are deployed judiciously and effectively,” she added.

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Import Services tallied 14 trade remedy cases investigated between 2018 and 2025. — Justine Irish D. Tabile