 |
 |
||||||
[April 2002]
Philippines Opts for Ceramic Tile Import Duties
The Philippines Government has imposed safeguard duties on certain imports of ceramic floor and wall tiles, in order to protect its domestic industry from a boom in trade.
Following a complaint from the Philippines Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers' Association, Manila has decided to levy a duty of Pesos 5.40/kg for the first year (backdated to January), Pesos 4.30/kg for the second year and Pesos 3.50/kg for the third year.
Because its government has ruled that EU and Japanese made tiles are different from those made locally, they will be exempt from this duty. Also, a string of developing countries exporting few tiles to the Philippines will be excluded.
A note to the World Trade Organization claimed that the boom has been "recent, sharp and significant as to cause serious injury". (US$1 = 50.85 Philippine Pesos).
ENDS