The glass Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc. is urging the government to approve a petition of Asahi Glass Philippines for a safeguard measure against imported glass, citing Asahi's claim that cheap imports are threatening the viability of its operations.
Asahi, the sole flat-glass manufacturer in the Philippines, has asked the Department of Trade and Industry for punitive tariff against imported glass, mostly from China.
Under the Safeguard Measures Act of 2000, the department may impose a punitive tariff of as much as 50 percent for a 200-day period if an influx of cheap imports is proven to hurt local industries. Within that period, the Tariff Commission will decide whether to impose a definitive measure in the form of quota restrictions or higher tariffs.
Asahi is asking for a safeguard measure for a three- to four-year period to give it time to become more competitive against imports.