• The Department of Agriculture authorized the importation of 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions to stabilize supply
• The measure is a preemptive move to prevent price manipulation and avoid a repeat of the 2022 onion crisis, when prices soared to P700 per kilo due to shortages
• The Bureau of Plant Industry recommended limited imports despite assurances of ample supply
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has authorized the importation of 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions to stabilize supply and prevent price spikes, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. announced on February 6.
“This importation of 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions is intended to ensure we have sufficient buffer stocks while we await the fresh harvest,” said Laurel.
“We will not risk a potential shortage that unscrupulous traders could exploit to drive up prices, as we saw in the past. We do not want a repeat of the 2022 crisis,” he added.
In 2022, onion prices soared to P700 per kilo, a record high, due to a supply shortage worsened by delayed imports.
According to Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data, the Philippines consumes an estimated 17,000 metric tons of red onions and 4,000 metric tons of white onions per month. As of mid-January, the country had 8,500 metric tons of red onions and 1,628 metric tons of white onions in storage.
BPI director Glenn Panganiban said, “While we were assured during our consultative meetings that there is still ample supply of onions, BPI recommended minimal imports to prevent major price spikes.”
“Also, due to typhoons that hit late last year and the prevalence of pests and disease, this importation is meant to be a buffer for possible supply gaps. This move is a preemptive measure,” added the BPI director.
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