Consumer Group Raises Concern Over Possible Cement Price Hike
A consumer rights group has raised concerns over a possible increase in cement prices if a new emergency tariff on imports pushes through.
The United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) appealed to scrap the proposed safeguard tariff of P400 per metric ton, which translates to about P16 for every 40-kilo bag of imported ordinary Portland and blended cement.
According to the group, the additional cost will eventually be passed on to consumers, making cement more expensive. It comes after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released Department Administrative Order 25-01, which paves the way for a three-year safeguard measure on cement imports.
“Ang P16 na dagdag taripa-presyo kada bag ng semento ay babalikatin nito sa dulo ng mga kaawa- awang consumers. Ito ay isang porma ng pass-through ng mga negosyante,” UFCC RJ Javella said.
Authorities said the move was meant to protect the local industry, which has been affected by the rising volume of imported cement.
UFCC president RJ Javellana warned that even a P16 increase per bag would be burdensome for ordinary consumers. He explained that any price hike in cement often creates a domino effect on other construction materials.
Once cement or steel prices go up, hardware and construction costs also follow, making it harder for families and small builders to cope.
The group also stressed that unchecked price increases could fuel inflation, putting more strain on the economy. Javellana pointed out that the government needs to strike a balance between protecting businesses and safeguarding consumers, especially during tough economic times.
UFCC further argued that the ones who would truly benefit from the tariff are large companies with the ability to manipulate or control cement prices. They warned that such a move could strengthen the hold of cement cartels in the market, giving them more power to dictate prices, just as in previous years.
“Ayaw namin sa kartel ng semento! Malinaw naman ang makikinabang ng dagdag taripa at presyo sa semento ay ang may kakayang magmanipula ng presyo lalo na kung hindi patas ang sistema ng pagnenegosyo sa merkado,” he added.
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