The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has opened a preliminary safeguard investigation to assess whether rising imports of ceramic tiles have harmed—or could harm—the local manufacturing sector.

The inquiry stems from a petition filed by the Ceramic Manufacturers’ Association, Inc. and covers imported ceramic tiles under HS Codes 6907.22 and 6907.23 for the period from 2020 up to the first quarter of 2025.

Based on the agency’s initial review, the DTI said there is substantial evidence suggesting that the surge in imports has caused serious injury to the domestic industry. Import volume posted a cumulative increase of 81 percent from 2020 to 2023, and remained above 2020 levels in 2024. During the same period, the market share of local producers fell from 31 percent in 2020 to 23 percent in 2024.

The domestic ceramic tile industry also saw declines in sales, production, capacity utilization, and labor productivity, while inventories rose and financial losses were recorded in the more recent period.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said the DTI continues to look for ways to strengthen Philippine industries as they navigate global trade pressures. She said the department remains committed to fostering conditions that will allow local manufacturers to compete fairly with imported goods and, in turn, support employment and broader economic growth.

The DTI is calling on interested parties—particularly importers and exporters—to submit their comments and positions on the issue, including whether imposing a safeguard measure would serve the public interest.

Under Republic Act No. 8800, a safeguard measure is a temporary trade remedy that government may impose when increased imports are found to be causing serious injury to a domestic industry. Such measures are intended to give affected local industries time to adjust and improve their competitiveness.