FIBER PRODUCTION

   Abaca Fiber.   The abaca industry continues to recover from the damages of the strong typhoons with the increase of 155 percent in abaca fiber production.  The province of Catanduanes remained as the top producer with the biggest baling share of 86 percent followed by Albay (8 percent), Sorsogon (5 percent), Camarines Sur (2 percent) and Camarines Norte (0.21 percent).

   Decorticated abaca fiber increased by 473.89 percent compared to same quarter last year. These were all produced in Catanduanes and shipped to New Tech Pulp in Iligan City as raw material for pulp production.

 

   Demand for raw abaca fiber recorded an increase of 24 percent compared to the same quarter last year.  There were more purchases by foreign than local buyers with the following positive changes:  UK with 975 percent; China with 225 percent; and Japan with 50 percent. The prices of abaca remained strong due to strengthened abaca fiber exports.  The average traders’ buying and selling prices increased by Php 8.90 and Php 9.03, respectively. All the average prevailing prices of abaca grades recorded increments as well.

 

   At the national level demand for abaca fiber by local customers was reduced due to reduced orders for abaca-based handicrafts.  Purchases for pulp and paper   reduced by 14 percent while for fibercraft was reduced by 79 percent. Only cordage processors registered positive purchases with an increase of 140 percent.  Foreign customers bought more abaca fiber 975 percent by UK , 225 percent by China and 50 percent by Japan .

 

   Pineapple Fiber. Decorticated pineapple production by the Labo Progressive Multi Purpose Cooperative slid by 6.83 percent.  It has maintained the same market in Tagaytay City , Binan,Laguna, and Taguig, Metro Manila.  With the limited market, the prices of the fiber remained at a buying price of Php120.00 per kilogram for members and selling price pegged at Php165.00 per kilogram.

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