It is reported that, after securing the PHP 7.70 per kilogram safeguard duty on imported steel angle bars, Philippines local manufacturers are now asking the Bureau of Customs to be more vigilant against unscrupulous importers, who might be prompted to resort to smuggling just to get around the higher import duty.

Mr Al Tatel spokesman for the Steel Angles, Shapes and Section Manufacturers Association of Philippines Inc said that the group is wary that the reprieve that the local industry will be getting out of the safeguard duty will just be negated if there is a flood of smuggled products.

He added that "If there is a protection like higher duties, it becomes more profitable to smuggle. So we hope BOC would be more vigilant in looking at all importations of steel angle bars

Mr Tatel said that the local manufacturers will be able to compete squarely with the importers. He added that "This will be good for the country because higher capacity utilization means more employment and lower prices."

Mr Thomas Aquino Trade Senior Undersecretary earlier said that the Department of Trade & Industry has decided to adopt the recommendation of the Tariff Commission for the imposition of a PHP 7,700 per tonne safeguard duty on imported steel angles after it was established that the increased importation is causing grave injury to local manufacturers.

(Sourced from www.businessmirror.com.ph)