Panamanian producers deny a supposed onion shortage, calling it a fabrication to justify imports. The Azuero Onion Producers Association (APCA) is pushing back against what they call an 'inflated' narrative by certain traders about a product shortage in the country. According to the producers, this version is not only false but also opens the door to decisions that could directly impact the national agricultural sector. The APCA clarifies that there is onion in Panama, and the lower presence on some shelves is solely due to the end of an agricultural cycle—a normal and temporary dip, but never an absence of the product. Official data refutes the shortage story: 57,000 quintals of fresh onion were estimated for November in Tierras Altas, with over 18,000 quintals currently being dried and ready for sale. The APCA emphasizes that the supply is already recovering, with 60,000 quintals expected in December from new growing areas. In January, planting progress exceeds 75%, also pointing to over 60,000 quintals, not counting the 25% from Tierras Bajas, whose harvest begins that same month. Combined with the 22,300 quintals entering under the Free Trade Agreement with the U.S., January should close with around 80,000 quintals available. Between January and May, the provinces of Herrera, Los Santos, and Coclé will contribute over 300,000 quintals. The producers state that importing now would be illegal, unnecessary, and a direct blow to local growers, as no official declaration of shortage has been made, which is a mandatory requirement to authorize imports.
