Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced Thursday the importation of both red and white onions, with shipments expected to arrive within the next two weeks.
“This importation of 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions is aimed at ensuring sufficient buffer stocks while we await the fresh harvest,” he said.
He said the DA would not want to risk a potential shortage that unscrupulous traders could exploit to drive up prices.
“We do not want a repeat of the 2022 crisis,” he said.
The price of onions—an essential ingredient in Philippine cuisine— soared to a record high of P700 per kilogram in 2022 due to a supply shortage exacerbated by delayed imports.
Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that monthly consumption is 17,000 MT for red onions and 4,000 MT for white onions.
Local inventory of red onions, following a bumper harvest last year, was expected to last until February, when the new harvest season begins.
BPI said that as of mid-January, red onion stocks in storage stood at 8,500 metric tons, while white onion stocks were at 1,628 metric tons.
“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. Additionally, due to the typhoons that hit late last year and the prevalence of pests and disease, this importation is intended to serve as a buffer for potential supply gaps. This is a preemptive measure,” said BPI director Glenn Panganiban.
Based on industry projections several metric tons of onions would be harvested this month, and some 33,000 metric tons are expected by March.