The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) reports that the Philippines' onion stock reached 100,908 metric tons (MT) as of April 18, with 100,329 MT sourced from local production. The BPI anticipates replenishment by early October, projecting a harvest of 27,285 MT of red onions this month, bringing the total to 128,279 MT. These stocks are calculated to suffice for 219 days, based on a per capita consumption of 1.872 kilos per year, extending until November 23.
Yellow onion inventory stands at 20,811 MT, with 20,805 MT locally produced and 5.61 MT imported. An expected production of 6,000 MT by end-April will extend the supply for 183 days, lasting until October 18. The Department of Agriculture (DA) previously authorized the importation of 4,000 MT of onions, split into 3,000 MT for red onions and 1,000 MT for yellow onions, to address the projected supply shortfall in February. The peak harvest season for onions is in the first quarter.
In 2024, the Philippines produced 264,320 MT of onions, up from 252,490 MT the previous year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Retail prices for local red onions range from approximately $1.27 to $2.91 per kilo, while local white onions range from $1.09 to $2.73 per kilo. Imported white onions are priced between $2.18 and $2.55 per kilo.
Source: BusinessMirror