Japanese firms laud removal of cement tariff, Philippines

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (JCCIP) hailed the decision of the Supreme Court annulling the protective tariff imposed by the Department of Trade and Industry on imported cement.

The group in a statement said the decision would assure competitive pricing and increase needed in infrastructure projects.

"JCCIP believes that liberalized cement importation to the market as the consequence of SC decision will not only assure competitive cement price in the market but also will enhance increase in much needed basic infrastructure construction supporting the Arroyo administration’s 10-point national development agenda," the chamber said.

The SC ruling granted the petition filed by Japanese cement importer Southern Cross Cement Corp. against the DTI questioning the imposition of the P20.60 per bag of imported cement tariff imposed since 2001.