Ban on onion imports extended until July

The Philippines has extended the ban on the importation of onions until July to prevent a glut in local supplies following historic production levels, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

- JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the extended import ban yesterday, pointing out that there is "no reason to import" in the immediate future since cold storages are overflowing with onions.

Onion retail prices are expected to remain stable or even decline this year due to better supply situation of the country.

In January, the DA chief temporarily suspended onion importation until this month as the government and industry stakeholders anticipate better output as farmers were encouraged to expand planted areas by the high prices last year.

Back then, Tiu Laurel floated the possibility of extending the import ban depending on the domestic harvest of the high value crop.