Philippine durians, which had the potential to compete in China’s fruit market, could only watch as its neighbors secured a slice of the market.
At the beginning of last year, the Philippine Department of Agriculture ambitiously set a goal to export over 54,000 tons of durian to China in 2023. In the end, only 3,763 tons were sold, less than 1% of the goal, accounting for just 0.26% of China's total durian imports.
The Philippines now pins its hopes on 2024. However, the first half of this year has been even more dismal, with durian export goals barely reaching 6%. After missing the “Mid-Autumn Festival market,” experts predict the country’s exports in 2024 will not exceed those of 2023.
Some clear-headed individuals in the Philippines are getting anxious because this isn’t just about durians. The reality is that Sino-Philippine relations are beyond repair.
For decades, countries in the South China Sea region have had disputes with China. China’s approach has always been to resolve these issues within the framework of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), while opposing the involvement of external forces.
Unfortunately, the Philippine government has done exactly what China dislikes most by inviting external powers into the South China Sea. The result was the embarrassing departure of the Philippine coast guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua from Sabina Shoal, after it was blocked by China, with no armed escort from the U.S. in sight.
This situation mirrors the fate of the Philippine durian farmers, who have mountains of unsold durians.
Is durian the only issue in Sino-Philippine trade? In the first half of this year, Philippine exports to China fell to $4.6 billion, a further drop of 20.2% compared to the same period last year.
All these consequences will eventually be felt domestically in the Philippines. On September 6, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported a sharp rise in the number of unemployed, from 1.62 million in June to 2.38 million. This number continues to grow, especially among recent graduates.
NEDA Director Balisacan has once again called for strengthening foreign trade, attracting investment, and enhancing infrastructure to improve employment prospects.
Ironically, all three solutions depend on China.
Of course, Marcos Jr. has alternatives. He could seek help from the U.S., the EU, Japan, or Australia. After all, these are "democratic durians."
No comments:
Post a Comment