Philippines may import 60,000 tons of onions due to armyworm damage

The El Nino phenomenon has led to a significant infestation of armyworms in the Philippines, damaging 45% of the country's onion plantations and potentially reducing onion production by 20% to 30%. This unforeseen crisis has prompted the Philippine Agri-Food Chamber of Commerce (PCAFI) to reconsider its stance on onion imports, suggesting that imports may need to resume as early as May to offset the anticipated shortfall. With the peak onion harvest season ending in April and current prices ranging significantly, the country faces a challenge in meeting its annual onion consumption needs of at least 262,000 tons with an estimated production of only 242,000 tons for 2023, indicating a potential need for importing 60,000 tons of onions.