Why the Philippines is destroying P86.7M in imported onions

The Department of Agriculture said Friday it will destroy P86.7 million worth of abandoned Chinese red onions after lab tests found them unfit to eat.

The shipment – 26 containers holding roughly 650 metric tons, about one day's national consumption – arrived at the Manila International Container Port between December 2025 and January 2026. A joint inspection by the Bureau of Plant Industry and Customs found the onions in advanced decay: sprouting, rotting, fungal infestation, discoloration, and a strong foul odor, the DA said.

Lab tests confirmed the onions pose health risks, the agency added. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. backed the destruction recommendation, saying public health must take priority despite the shipment's value.

The BPI also warned that abandoned perishables occupy port space and increase biosecurity risks. The unpaid duties and taxes on the shipment total roughly P9.7 million.

The DA said the case underscores the need to prevent abandoned imports from becoming logistical and environmental burdens at ports.

For context, the Philippines imported about 20,000 metric tons of red onions in the first quarter of 2026, according to trade data. The destroyed lot represents roughly 3% of that volume. The country has struggled with onion price volatility in recent years, with retail prices swinging between P70 and P180 per kilogram depending on the season and import timing.

Tiu Laurel said the government is reviewing port procedures to speed up inspection of perishable cargo and reduce the window for abandonment. No timeline for the destruction was given.