DA recommends higher tariffs on imported rice, halt to importation
Malacañang disclosed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has recommended to increase tariffs on imported rice and to temporarily halt rice importation.
A farmer harvests rice crops in a field in Kalayaan, Laguna on May 29. (John Louie Abrina | MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said this on Monday, Aug. 4, saying it aims to protect Filipino farmers.
He also said this will be discussed by President Marcos and his Cabinet while in India.
"The Department of Agriculture is recommending an increase in tariffs on imported rice and a temporary halt to importation to protect local farmers," Gomez said in a statement.
"The Cabinet will discuss this urgent matter with the President in India on the sidelines of his state visit," he added.
Marcos left for India on Monday morning for a state visit. Agriculture and food security are among the priority sectors he is expected to raise to potential investors.
The recommendation came after the DA reported that the country’s rice production is expected to reach an all-time high this year.
Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), production of palay (unmilled rice) from January to June reached 9.08 million metric tons (MT), up by six percent from 8.53 MT in the same period last year.
The latest rice production estimate surpassed the first-half record high of 9.026 million MT recorded in 2023.