Malacañang modifies rate of import duty on natural gypsum, anhydrite

FILE: Facade of the Malacañang Palace as seen from Pasig River. (Photo by Architect Jorge Ramos (d. 2015) for the underlying copyrighted work (Malacañang Palace). Image is by Official Gazette of the Philippines, originally uploaded on Commons by User:P-JR – Commons:File:Malacañang Palace (Cropped).jpg, Public Domain)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the modification of the import duty on natural gypsum and anhydrite, which are main raw materials in manufacturing plasterboards and cement used for construction.

Executive Order No. 46, dated Nov. 3 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, stated that modifying the rate of import duty on natural gypsum and anhydrite will help revitalize and increase the competitiveness of the local plasterboard and cement industries.

“At present, there are no operating mines of natural gypsum and anhydrite in the country, and there are also no local substitute for said products that are available for domestic producers of plasterboards and cement,” the executive order read.

The modified rate of import duty is also expected to support the housing and infrastructure projects in the country.

Republic Act No. 10863, or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” allows the President the authority, in the interest of general welfare and national security and upon recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), to increase, reduce or remove existing rates of import duty.

Prior to the issuance of the EO, the NEDA Board endorsed the proposal to reduce the most-favored nation (MFN) tariff rate on gypsum and anhydrite from 3 to zero percent.

“The MFN tariff rate shall be subject to an annual review after 31 December 2024,” the EO stated.

“For this purpose, the NEDA shall submit to the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, its findings and recommendations on the matter, including analysis and monitoring of the gypsum and anhydrite market.”

The EO shall take effect 30 days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

It will also be in full force and effect for a period of five years from the date of effectivity.