School supply price hike seen

Parents should anticipate some price increases for school supplies as the upcoming school year begins, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported Friday.

According to the DTI, 17 stock-keeping units (SKUs), representing 9 percent of school supplies, have experienced price increases. These include certain notebooks, pencils and crayons.

“In terms of percentage, 8 SKUs posted a 3-10 percent increase (3 notebooks, 2 pencils per pack, 2 crayons, and one ruler brand. In terms of peso value, 8 SKUs or 4 percent increased by P1 to P5 (3 notebooks, 2 pencils per pack, 2 crayons, at 1 ruler brand),” the DTI-Fair Trade Group (FTG) told reporters in a Viber message.

However, the FTG stressed that the majority of school supplies have seen price reductions, aiming to offer more affordable options for consumers preparing for the new academic year.

The DTI’s price guide for this school year covers 195 SKUs across 12 product categories. Notably, the prices of 29 items have decreased compared to the previous year, with reductions ranging from P1 to P10.

Furthermore, the DTI stated that in addition to the price drops, 101 SKUs (52 percent of the 195 listed) have maintained their prices from last year. This includes all SKUs for ball pens, erasers and sharpeners.

The guide also includes 48 new SKUs (25 percent of the total list), providing consumers with a wider range of options, including newer brands and variants.

“We know how challenging it can be for parents to prepare their children for school, so this Price Guide is our way of easing that burden — making sure students can return to the classroom equipped, confident, and ready to learn without putting too much strain on the family budget,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.