Red onion prices surge in Baguio markets

Red onion prices in Baguio surged to ₱240 per kilo in November amid thinning supply, with the Department of Agriculture expecting stabilization by December imports ahead of the January 2026 harvest.

BAGUIO CITY — Red onion prices in Baguio and nearby trading areas have nearly doubled in November, climbing to ₱240–₱300 per kilo from ₱160–₱170 earlier this month, according to monitoring by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The surge, driven by thinning local supply likely affected by supply chain disruptions and recent weather events, is expected to stabilize by December imports ahead of the local harvest in January 2026, the DA said.

Imported red onions also rose to ₱238–₱300 per kilo, up from ₱127 in early November, reflecting the same supply constraints. The DA attributed the spike to tight local supply ahead of harvest, delayed arrival of imports, and seasonal demand during the holiday period.

Only 11,371 metric tons of red onion imports had arrived by mid-November out of the 59,594 MT approved, contributing to tight stocks in public markets. Officials assured consumers that incoming shipments would be sufficient to meet holiday demand, with retail prices projected to ease to ₱120–₱150 per kilo once distribution is completed.

Baguio City, a major trading hub for Northern Luzon, reflects national price trends. Retailers in La Trinidad and other Benguet towns struggled to keep stocks steady, while consumers scaled back purchases amid rising costs.

The DA emphasized that while prices remain high, they are still well below the ₱700-per-kilo peak recorded during the 2022 onion crisis.