Acquisition of Holcim Philippines may reduce cement prices

The Philippine’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has stated that it expects San Miguel Corp’s recent acquisition of a majority stake in Holcim Philippines to result in lower prices of locally-produced cement.

"We can expect more synergies in their operations, more economies of scale which will hopefully bring down their cost, prices. But we still expect some segmentation of the market because we all know that the Eagle brand is always lower than Holcim. Just like in any industry, different brands still come up with different prices," said Ramon Lopez, trade secretary, during a press conference.

Mr Lopez also noted that cement imports can still provide a competitive environment.