AN update on the latest investigation of alleged cement dumping from other countries to the Philippines will be released and made public in mid-January 2025, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters recently.Dumping happens when exporters sell their products to an importing country at a lower price compared to their regular value in the market.The investigation was prompted by reports of a significant increase in cement imports, which has caused alarm among stakeholders in the industry.On Oct. 31, the DTI issued a notice of preliminary safeguard measures to investigate, on a motu proprio basis, cement imports from various countries."By mid-January in 2025, we will give a clearer update on what the situation is... We have given our findings to the Tariff Commission (TF)," Roque said.The investigation covered cement imports classified under Asean Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature Codes 2523.29.90 and 2523.90.00 between 2019 and 2023.In its preliminary report, DTI said cement imports are projected to increase 4.96 percent year-on-year to 7.36 million metric tons this year and that "there was substantial evidence... that increased imports of cement have caused serious injury to the domestic industry," manifested in "declining market share, reduced production and sales, decreased capacity utilization, diminished profitability, price depression, undercutting, and suppression."The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) previously said it welcomed the investigation, stressing the need to protect local cement producers, accounting for at least 1 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP)."The local cement industry has been facing challenges brought about by increasing imports, dumping from other countries, and struggling demand," PCCI President Enunina Mangio said."Despite having a surplus in local production, more than enough to meet market demand, imports continue to flood the market, threatening the viability of the local industry," he added.In December 2022, DTI imposed anti-dumping taxes on certain cement imports from Vietnam for five years, with then Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual saying the dumping of Ordinary Portland Cement Type 1 and Blended Cement Type 1P from Vietnam in the country poses an "imminent threat of material injury to the domestic cement industry."