Cement importers are seeking a refund of some P1.3 billion in additional duties paid on their purchases since 2019 when safeguard measures were imposed.
A formal offer of evidence to the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) from the importers dated July 19, 2021 showed claims covered both the provisional and definitive duties amounting to P515 million for Philcement Corp.; P433 million for Fortem Cement Corp.; P239 million for NGC Land Corp., P65 million for Cohaco Trading and; P30 million for Pabaza Import and Export Inc.
The importers have earlier sought to void the decision of the Tariff Commission (TC) and of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) slapping the duties on imported cement for lack of merit. The group had reiterated their claim imports did not cause injury to the local cement industry.
The group had hoped the CTA would reverse the TC/DTI decision.
The government is currently collecting P9.80 per bag of imported cement. This is the second year of the imposition of additional duties.
