Trade Liberalization in the Philippine Cement Industry

Abstract

This study focuses on the impact of trade liberalization in the Philippine industry. It contains a brief history of the said industry. It concentrates on four aspects of the industry — market, investment, technology and employment. It is hypothesized that the policy of trade liberalization as imposed by the General Agreement of Tariff and Trade — World Trade Organization (GATT-WTO) has been injurious to the local cement industry and furthered the economic instability of the country. Two major cement corporations in the country, which are Holcim and Lafarge have been the primary example. There have been respondents from the mentioned companies who have been surveyed and interviewed. The data gathered has supported the assumption. The undertaken action of the government on this issue has been mentioned as well as the appeal of the affected population.