Tariff Commission recommends stopping ‘safeguard measure’

The imposition of safeguard duties against vehicle importations on completely built-up (CBU) units in the Philippines must stop, the Tariff Commission recommended.

In a summary report dated last July 23, the commission urged that “no definitive general safeguard measure be imposed" on CBU  passenger cars and light commercial vehicles imports subject to this investigation.

Aside from that, the commission announced the termination of the formal investigation on the matter, “considering that CBU passenger cars and light commercial vehicles “were not imported in increased quantities (whether absolute or relative to domestic production)” during the period of investigation.

The report also noted that since it has been established that CBU passenger cars and CBU light commercial vehicles were not imported in increased quantities during the probe period, “the determination of serious injury or threat thereof, causation, and unforeseen developments has become moot and academic.”

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) lauded the probe results.

“The CAMPI commended the process undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Tariff Commission (TC) in the initiation and resolution of the petition filed by Philippine Metal Workers Association for Safeguard Measures. The Final Report issued by the Tariff Commission finding that there is no basis for the imposition of safeguard duty has put to rest the uncertainties brought about by the petition,” the group mentioned in a statement.

“The automotive manufacturing sector will continue with its strong collaboration with the government in its efforts to sustain local production of vehicles and address the concerns of various stakeholders,” the group shared in a statement. As the country continues to recover from the COVID- 19 pandemic, the automotive industry remains committed to provide better products and services to its customers and contribute to the economy and society as a whole,” it added.

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Tariff Commission

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