Metro Manila, Philippines – A higher maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported onions will be imposed starting Thursday, Dec. 11, amid rising import costs.
From setting it at ₱120 per kilogram on Dec. 1, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. adjusted the MSRP to P150/kg.
“Nakara-receive ako ng information from international sources at local importers na tumaas ang red onions, particularly sa origins like China, Holland, at India,” Tiu Laurel said.
“Bahagyang taas pero kung kukokompyutin, hindi na kakasya yong ₱120 na-set just recently,” he said.
[Translation: I have received information from international sources and local importers that the price of red onion, particularly from origins like China, Holland, and India, has gone up. It is a slight increase, but based on computation, the ₱120 set as MSRP just recently will be insufficient.]
The DA set an MSRP for imported red and white onions to stabilize prices amid possible growing demand during the Christmas season.
Tiu Laurel said some areas have been monitored to sell red onions as high as ₱250/kg to ₱300/kg, with retailers declaring imported goods as locally produced to justify the high price.
He said the DA is set to release new labeling rules for onion products to stop the practice.
The agriculture chief said the importation of red onions will end by January to give way to the harvest season in February.
He said the MSRP for white onions remains at ₱120/kg. He also reported that the price caps for pork and carrots are being followed, while prices for chicken and egg were stable.
