Philippines to Suspend Rice Imports for 60 Days from September

The Philippines will suspend rice imports for 60 days from September, according to a report by Reuters. The decision comes as the country's rice output has increased, and the suspension aims to stabilize the domestic rice market. The move is expected to impact the country's rice imports, which have been a significant contributor to the country's trade balance.

The Philippines will temporarily suspend rice imports for 60 days starting from September, according to a report by Reuters. This decision comes amidst a significant increase in the country's rice output, aiming to stabilize the domestic rice market. The move is expected to impact the country's rice imports, which have been a substantial contributor to its trade balance.

The suspension of rice imports is part of a broader strategy by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to support local farmers. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has recommended this plan to the President, who is expected to discuss it with his cabinet during his state visit to India this week [2]. The DA has also pushed for higher tariffs on imported rice to protect local producers.

The Philippines, the world's biggest rice importer, is currently projected to buy 5.4 million tons of rice in the 2025-26 season, according to the US Department of Agriculture. However, the country has already imported around 2 million tons of the staple in the first half of 2025 [2].

The decision to suspend imports comes as global rice supply prospects have improved, pushing benchmark Asian prices to an eight-year low. This has led to farmer protests in major producers like Thailand and eased food inflation for consumers. The DA has suggested limiting annual imports to less than a fifth of current levels to support local producers and avoid potential closures of local mills [2].

The Philippines' paddy rice output reached 9.08 million tons in the first half of 2025, with a target to produce a record 20.46 million tons during the full year [2]. Despite the bumper harvest, the influx of cheaper imported rice has put downward pressure on local prices, with some private traders buying palay for as low as P8 to P10 per kilo, well below the production cost of P12 to P14 per kilo [1].

The suspension of rice imports is expected to provide temporary relief to local farmers. However, the DA has emphasized that the relief would be temporary and that amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) are needed to give the National Food Authority (NFA) greater flexibility in managing rice supply and pricing [1].

References:
[1] https://www.da.gov.ph/sharp-drop-in-palay-prices-prompts-president-marcos-to-consider-rice-import-suspension-tariff-hike-da-chief/
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-04/top-rice-importer-philippines-may-halt-purchases-to-help-farmers