Name: Marivie F.

Hilvano
Course and Section: AB Political Science PSC31
Subject: Political Economy PSCE314
Professor: Mr. Jumel G. Estrañero
University: De La Salle University Dasmariñas

Fertilizer Price Hike in Philippines: A Result of Over Dependence?

In light of the recent events in the Philippines in connection with inflation, it is becoming
difficult to ignore the increasing prices of fertilizers. According to an article by Ordinario (2023)
of Business Mirror, the price of fertilizer is still being impacted by the shortage of production in
Europe, trade disruptions brought on by the conflict in Ukraine and Russia, and export
restrictions in China. Prices for fertilizer around the world are almost at new highs and are likely
to stay expensive through 2023. As a result, agricultural production in 2023 may be impacted by
these elevated prices. Atty. Dino Yulo, a former member of the Sugar Regulatory Administration
board, claimed that the effects of the price increase have been felt since the most recent planting
season. Several months ago, they called for national intervention from the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, but there had been no effective action.
Recently, two business agreements reached with Chinese companies during President Marcos'
state visit to China are done to assist in bringing down fertilizer costs and ensuring the country's
food security. There is also a plan revealed by President Marcos to buy cheaper fertilizer from
China, Indonesia, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia. Nonetheless, the most serious
disadvantage of this plan is over-dependence on the global economy which may result in
impediments in the development of our local industries, shortage of supplies in times of state-to-
state conflict, and exploitation done by exporting countries.   
References: 
Disruptions keeping fertilizer expensive. (2023). Retrieved 9 January 2023, from
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/01/09/disruptions-keeping-fertilizer-expensive/ 
Marcos secures deals with China for lower fertilizer prices. (2023). Retrieved 9 January 2023,
from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/08/2236062/marcos-secures-deals-china-
lower-fertilizer-prices 
Daily Guardian. ‘Act on fertilizer price hike’. (2023). Retrieved 9 January 2023, from
https://www.dailyguardian.com.ph/act-on-fertilizer-price-hike/