No fertilizer export freeze from China — DA's Tiu Laurel

China ensured that it would not freeze exporting fertilizers amid the Middle East crisis, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Wednesday.  

''Mayroon kami balita na ifi-freeze ng China ang export ng fertilizers because they also need fertilizers 'di ba, kinonfirm naman ng Chinese ambassador na hindi totoo 'yun. Hindi nila iimplement,'' Tiu Laurel said in an interview with reporters.

(We had information that China will freeze the exportation of fertilizers because they also need fertilizers. The Chinese ambassador said it's not true.)

Tiu Laurel said he had a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan on Tuesday to tackle agriculture cooperation.

According to Tiu Laurel, the price of fertilizers has since doubled from $400 to $800 per ton amid the crisis. 

He said the government is talking to India, Russia, and even Belarus to ensure sufficient fertilizer supply for the country.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier said the supply of basic goods as well as fertilizers remain sufficient. He said this as he inspected the Agora Public Market in San Juan City this morning. 

Marcos said there's no reason for the public to hoard basic commodities. He also said the price cap being imposed by the Department of Trade and Industry is being followed by retailers. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News