The Philippines secured a supply agreement with Vietnam for a total of 1.5 million metric tons (MT) of rice at a fixed rate of $450 per MT, as the government looks to bolster local supplies of the staple grain amid potential production challenges later this year. In a statement on Friday, May 8,...
Senator Risa Hontiveros has called on the Senate to conduct a thorough and immediate investigation into the “sudden and aggressive” rice importation of Planters Products Inc. (PPI), noting that the agency’s latest questionable moves could further hurt the country’s farmers already reeling...
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is evaluating a restriction on monthly rice import volumes of up to 200,000 metric tons (MT) from June to October to ensure adequate domestic supply without collapsing farmgate prices. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told Manila Bulletin that the...
The Philippines is preparing to increase its foreign rice purchases this year as the government moves to stabilize domestic supply and temper price volatility for Filipinos ' main food staple. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the country is ready to scale up shipments from its...
The country’s rice imports in the first quarter rose by nearly 37 percent to more than one million metric tons (MT) compared to a year ago, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). The latest BPI data showed that rice imports from January to March reached 1.26 million MT, higher than the...
The Philippines’ rice imports may increase to over five million metric tons (MT) in the upcoming marketing year (MY) 2026-2027 to plug the shortfall in domestic production, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In a report, the USDA estimated that the country’s rice...
Senator Imee Marcos expressed concern over the use of imported rice for the government’s “P20 rice” program despite the ongoing harvest season and the absence of any declared supply shortage. Marcos said that some officials appear to be prioritizing profit over protecting the welfare of...
President Marcos has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 105, which maintains the 15 percent tariff rate on imported rice until the end of 2025 and introduces a mechanism to adjust rates based on international market prices starting next year. The EO, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on...
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Sunday, October 12 called on the administration to issue an executive order (EO) to establish a floor price for palay (unmilled rice). Pangilinan said this measure would apply to all government purchases and align with the full implementation of the Sagip...
President Marcos has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 93 that suspends the importation of regular and well-milled rice for 60 days. It shall take effect from Sept. 1 until Oct. 30 this year. Under EO 93 dated Aug. 29, Marcos said the suspension of the importation of regular and well-milled rice was...
Malacañang assured the public that the country’s rice supply remains sufficient even with the 60-day suspension of imports starting next month, citing local harvests and stronger government monitoring. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this ahead of the start of the two-month...
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the upcoming 60-day suspension on rice imports could be shortened or extended, depending on potential market shifts. In a statement, Tiu Laurel said the government will closely monitor price movements and the outcome of the harvest...
