Rice imports seen at 3.6-3.8 million MT in 2026

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December 17, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Rice imports next year are expected to stay below four million metric tons (MT) as higher domestic output allows the government to better manage inflows and protect farmers’ incomes, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said import volumes in 2026 would likely range between 3.6 million and 3.8 million MT, which he described as sufficient to meet national demand without depressing farmgate prices.

When rice importation resumes, tariffs will rise to 20 percent from 15 percent, following an agreement among the administration’s economic managers.

“The tariff increase reflects several realities — the recent depreciation of the peso and the likelihood of higher global prices once the Philippines reenters the market,” Tiu Laurel said.

The outlook is anchored on the DA’s projection that palay production would reach around 20.3 million MT next year, close to the government’s original target for 2025 that was not met due to flooding and other weather-related disturbances.

The country’s record harvest remains at 20.06 million MT booked in 2023.

Tiu Laurel said the agency is moving toward a more calibrated import program aimed at balancing consumer access to affordable rice and income protection for farmers.

He said the approach gained support from rice importers during a consultative meeting held earlier this week.

Even before the four-month rice import ban is lifted at the end of the year, the Bureau of Plant Industry will begin processing applications for sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances covering about 500,000 MT, including volumes allocated to government agencies.

Shipments covered by these permits must arrive by mid-February to avoid weighing on palay prices at the start of the summer harvest.

To ease cash-flow pressures on traders, the DA will temporarily waive the usual 10 percent down payment requirement for import clearance issuance.

Rice imports during the January to February window will also be limited to 17 ports nationwide to help manage arrivals.