Philippines considers onion imports as stocks may run short by year-end

Following a year of surplus harvests marred by spoilage and typhoon damage, the Philippines is once again facing an onion supply shortfall. The Department of Agriculture (DA) is now considering importation to stabilize prices and ensure availability through the end of 2025.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that imports of both red and yellow onions are being considered, though the exact volume will depend on the recommendation of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), expected in early July.

As of mid-June, red onion stocks stand at 85,755 metric tons, with an additional 3,547 metric tons expected from the ongoing harvest. This would bring the total supply to 89,332 metric tons — enough to cover demand only until November 13. Yellow onions are in shorter supply, with stocks totaling 11,740 metric tons and another 137 metric tons projected by month’s end, enough to last until September 2.

Based on national daily consumption — around 586 metric tons of red onions and 146 metric tons of yellow — the country would require nearly 32,000 metric tons of red onions and 13,500 metric tons of yellow onions to avoid year-end shortages.

Imports earlier this year were minimal, limited to 1,000 metric tons of red onions and 3,000 metric tons of yellow onions. The DA is also monitoring local stocks to avoid a repeat of past losses caused by inadequate storage and extreme weather.

source: philstar.com

photo: blog.plantwise.org