PH to Import 4,000 MT of Onions to Stabilize Prices

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has approved the importation of 3,000 metric tons (MT) of red onions and 1,000 MT of white onions to stabilize prices and prevent shortages.

Onion Imports to Arrive in Two Weeks

📅 Expected Arrival: Within the next two weeks
📌 Purpose: To ensure sufficient buffer stocks while awaiting the fresh harvest

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the need to prevent price manipulation, recalling the 2022 onion crisis, when prices soared to ₱700 per kilo due to supply shortages and delayed imports.

“We will not risk a potential shortage that unscrupulous traders could exploit to drive up prices,” he said.

Current Onion Supply and Consumption

📊 Monthly Consumption in PH:
🔹 Red onions – 17,000 MT
🔹 White onions – 4,000 MT

📦 Stocks in Storage (as of mid-January 2025):
🔹 Red onions – 8,500 MT
🔹 White onions – 1,628 MT

Why Import Onions Now?

🚜 Upcoming Harvests:
🔹 February – Several metric tons expected
🔹 March – 33,000 MT projected

Despite assurances of adequate supply, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director Glenn Panganiban said that imports were recommended to prevent price spikes.

“Due to last year’s typhoons and pest issues, this importation serves as a precautionary measure against possible supply gaps,” Panganiban explained.

This move aims to balance supply and demand, ensuring affordable onion prices for Filipino consumers.