**Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Trade Secretary Cristina Roque Faces a Tough Decision on Cement Tariffs**

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque finds herself in a challenging position as she prepares to make a crucial decision regarding tariffs on cement. The situation requires a careful balance, akin to a Solomonic judgment, with important stakeholders on both sides.

On one hand, there are the cement importers warning that any significant increase in tariffs or safeguard duties—particularly beyond the threshold of around 16 percent—could force them out of business. Their concerns highlight the potential economic repercussions of imposing heavier costs on imported cement.

As Secretary Roque approaches this critical decision, she must weigh the interests of domestic producers against those of importers, navigating a complex landscape where the stakes are high for all parties involved.
https://business.inquirer.net/551848/biz-buzz-cement-tariffs-tug-of-war