CANNED SARDINES MIGHT INCREASE AFTER IMPORT SUSPENSION
Supply of galunggong, mackerel, and bonito will be reduced (Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cellona/ABS-CBN News)
The price of sardines may increase as the supply of fish will be reduced after the Department of Agriculture suspended the granting of import clearance for galunggong, mackerel and bonito.
According to Francsico Beuncamino, Executive Director of the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines, the supply of mackerel will be reduced, while they agree that the smuggling of imported fish into the markets will be stopped. But they were not consulted on the DA's move, the price of canned sardines will increase.
"That is the Law of Supply and Demand," Association Executive Director Francisco said, adding, "Price will go up but the supply will drop."
After learning of reports that fish imported for canning, processing, or institutional buyers are being diverted to wet markets, the Department of Agriculture (DA) issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 14, series of 2024 on April 1, suspending the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances of galunggong, mackerel, and bonito imported for import.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, mackerel can still be imported but its quantity is based on the vatable sales of canned product for last year before being allowed to import.
According to Laurel, the diversion is the issue. They will face a shortage even if they are permitted to import but are diverted. Manufacturers can still import 10% more than they are already using.
Source: Tina Perez/GMA News
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