The Philippine Trade department refused clearance to a cement shipment imported from China on the grounds that the Chinese "Horse" brand failed one of the standard tests. In a letter to Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines President Ernesto M. Ordonez, Trade assistant secretary Merly M. Cruz said the P18 million worth of cement shipment from China failed the seven-day physical and chemical tests.
"The results further show that the sample also failed the seven-day test for compressive strength, although said results are not yet conclusive as this test is allowed to continue for 28 days," the trade official said in her one-page letter dated Aug. 11. Cement shipment that fail these tests are considered substandard and unsafe and thus, is not allowed to enter the market.
