THE COUNTRY’S sole manufacturer of glass panes has sought continued protection from cheap imports, the Tariff Commission said on its Web site.
AGC Flat Glass Philippines, Inc., formerly called Asahi Glass Philippines, filed a petition with the order to slap additional duties on foreign-made float and figured glass set to expire in December.
The commission will begin an investigation today after the Trade department endorsed the firm’s petition last Sept. 2.
Under the Safeguards Measures Act, protective action against imports can be extended if factors causing "injury" to local industries persist. An industry must show that it is taking action to become more competitive. Safeguard duties on imports may only be imposed for 10 years, following global trade rules.
Safeguards on glass products, first imposed late in 2003, have been in place for six years, allowing for a maximum four-year extension. The government renewed the order in 2006 after finding that external factors like price increases of raw materials have kept AGC Flat Glass from realizing gains.
