Overall, the Philippines economy and manufacturing sector has posted healthy numbers in the last five years, yet glass demand in both sub-segments has not been able to match the numbers, even with the economic growth figures. High unemployment and poverty (at 26%) has resulted in an economic disparity and absence of a strong and prosperous middle class, the largest consumer (and often the driving force) of the glass industry in both sub-sectors. The implementation of a "sin tax" law in 2013, which raised retail prices of alcohol products by 15-50% through higher excise taxes, has had an effect on the consumption of these products. This decrease has had a proportional effect on the consumption of container glass. This article gives an overview of the current state of affairs with regards to container and flat glass production.
