On 10 February 2026, the Philippines notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated, on 05 February 2026, a safeguard investigation into imports of ceramic tiles, classifiable in tariff subheadings 6907.22 and 690723, on which comment is due by 07 March 2026.
The investigation was initiated on the basis of import data obtained from official sources and information submitted by members of the Ceramic Manufacturers’ Association Inc. (CMAI) of the Philippines, indicating that increased imports of ceramic tiles are a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry, as reflected in loss of market share, declining domestic sales, utilisation rate, reduction in labour productivity, incurred losses, and increased production cost.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or are threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.
During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters, and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to presentations by other parties.
A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.