Philippines to set retail cap on imported red onions

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The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines plans to impose a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported red onions to address overpricing in local markets despite a stable supply.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in an interview that the cap could take effect next week. “Somebody is taking advantage, and I suspect it’s the retailers. So, we might impose an MSRP for imported red onions,” he stated.

According to Tiu Laurel, the proposed ceiling would be between PHP100 and PHP120 per kilogram (US$1.70 to US$2.05). Current retail prices for imported red onions range from PHP90 to PHP160 per kilogram (US$1.53 to US$2.72), based on DA-Bantay Presyo monitoring data, while locally grown onions are selling between PHP120 and PHP200 per kilogram (US$2.05 to US$3.42).

The DA earlier authorized the importation of about 50,000 metric tons of red onions, with arrivals permitted until January 2026, to supplement local supply and stabilize market prices.

The agency is also monitoring pork prices after implementing a PHP210-per-kilogram (US$3.59) minimum farmgate price to help hog raisers recover production costs. Despite lower farmgate prices, retail prices for pork belly remain high, prompting the DA to consider an MSRP of around PHP330 per kilogram (US$5.64).

Tiu Laurel said the department is consulting with stakeholders to finalize price ceilings for both imported onions and pork products, emphasizing the need to ensure fair pricing across the supply chain.

Source: Philippine News Agency

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