DTI extends safeguard measures on glass imports for three years

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has extended for another three years the definitive general safeguard measures on the importation of float and figured glass, as well as copper-based glass mirrors from various countries.

The DTI ruling was issued in three separate orders. On the matter of float glass, the DTI explained that the three-year extension is intended to give the local glass industry time to fully implement its adjustment plan and be competitive against imports.

However, the DTI said that the duty for clear and tinted float glass would be reduced by five percent on the first year of the extension period.

Thus, the definitive safeguard measure of P5,016 per metric ton for tinted float glass and P3,971 /MT for clear float glass would be imposed on the first year of the extension period.

The amount of the measure for the second and third year of the extension period would be subject to an annual review for the purpose of liberalizing or reducing its intensity.

The safeguard measures for float glass, however, would apply only to Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

On figured glass, the DTI ruled that the definitive safeguard measure of P2,274.30/MT would be imposed on the first year of the extension period.

The amount of the measure for the second and third year of the extension period would be subject to an annual review for the purpose of liberalizing or reducing its intensity.

The safeguard measure for figured glass would apply only to Indonesia and Taiwan.

As for copper based glass mirrors, the DTI ordered that the definitive safeguard measure of P4,384.25/MT would be imposed on the first year of the extension period.

However, as with the orders on float and figured glass, the amount of the measure for the second and third year of the extension period would be subject to an annual review.

The safeguard for glass mirrors would apply only to India.

The request for safeguard measures was made by Asahi Glass Philippines Inc.

The DTI imposed definitive general safeguard measure on imported glass for three years starting in April 2004 to protect the local industry from unfair foreign competition.