Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to impose a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported red onions to curb overpricing despite stable supply, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Thursday. ‘Somebody is taking advantage, and I suspect it’s the retailers. So, we might impose an MSRP for imported red onions,’ Tiu Laurel said in an ambush interview. The cap could take effect next week. He said the maximum price per kg. should be PHP100 to PHP120.
According to Philippines News Agency, based on DA – Bantay Presyo data, imported red onions currently retail between PHP90 and PHP160 per kg., and local onions between PHP120 and PHP200. The DA has earlier allowed the importation of about 50,000 MT of red onions until January 2026 to cover local supply gaps. Tiu Laurel also said the DA is closely monitoring live hog farmgate and pork retail prices.
The department has implemented a PHP210-per-kg. minimum farmgate price to help raisers recover losses. He noted that pork belly prices remain unreasonably high despite lower farmgate rates, suggesting an MSRP of about PHP330 per kg. The DA is consulting stakeholders to finalize the price ceiling for both imported onions and pork products.
