The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Tuesday it imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty in the form of a cash bond on imported gypsum board from Thailand for four months starting with the issuance of a relevant Customs memorandum order.
Gypsum board, also called drywall or plasterboard, is a building material used for interior walls and ceilings.
The DTI said the measure aims to address allegations of dumping, protect the domestic industry and prevent further harm to the domestic industry while the investigation proceeds.
Knauf Gypsum Philippines Inc., which filed a petition requesting anti-dumping duties on gypsum board imported from Thailand, initiated the appeal.
The gypsum board in question, categorized under AHTN Codes 6809.11.00 and 6809.19.90, consists of a hardened extruded gypsum core enclosed in a paper linerboard.
Knauf Gypsum alleged that imports from Thailand were being sold at unfairly low prices, causing significant harm to the local industry.
The DTI said that following an investigation covering the period January 2022 to May 2023 and an additional injury assessment spanning from 2019 to September 2023, it concluded that gypsum boards of 9mm and 12mm thickness from Thailand were being dumped in the Philippines.
The DTI acknowledged that the practice was causing material injury to the domestic market. Under Section 8 (a) of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 8752, or the Anti-Dumping Act of 1999, the DTI directed the immediate imposition of a cash bond equivalent to the estimated dumping margin.
It said further updates on the final outcome of the investigation would be released after the four-month provisional duty period.
Meanwhile, local cement manufacturers welcomed the DTI’s probe into the rising influx of imported cement. Local companies reported significant challenges due to the surge in cement importation, which created an uneven playing field. In 2023, the local sector suffered losses amounting to P15 billion, the local players said.
Cemex Philippines vice president for commercial Roberto Martin Javier expressed strong support for the DTI’s actions.
“We wholeheartedly endorse DTI’s decisive measures to investigate these imports. Safeguard policies will enable us to cultivate a more robust local cement industry, ensuring that high-quality, locally produced materials meet the country’s infrastructure demands,” said Javier.
“We are nearing the completion of our new cement line in Rizal, which will expand Solid Cement’s annual production capacity from 1.5 million tons to 3.4 million tons. With a total investment estimated at around $350 million, this project underscores our commitment to competitively meet the nation’s infrastructure demands and support economic growth,” Javier said.
Cemex Philippines, in collaboration with local manufacturers, said it stands firmly behind policies that foster fair competition and long-term sustainability within the industry.
Cemex Philippines also pledged vigilance against violations of industry standards and unfair trade practices. “We believe proactive cooperation between industry stakeholders and the government is crucial for protecting the interests of local businesses and reinforcing national economic resilience,” Javier said.
“By supporting local production through these safeguard measures and the recently passed Tatak Pinoy Act, the government plays a crucial role in stabilizing employment, bolstering local industries, and maintaining essential construction standards,” said the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP).
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