DA sets P45 SRP for imported rice

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set a maximum suggested retail price (SRP) of P45 per kilo for imported rice starting March 31, 2025.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. will lead market inspections to ensure retailer compliance with the new SRP, which is intended to remain in place for the next two months.

This new SRP follows a series of previous price reductions since January 20, 2025, and was introduced after Executive Order No. 62, which reduced import tariffs, failed to significantly lower retail prices.

The DA noted that the retail price of imported rice has already decreased by P19 per kilo since the implementation of the maximum SRP.

Monitoring by the DA in Metro Manila markets shows imported special rice ranges from P55 to P60 per kilo, premium rice from P48 to P51 per kilo, well-milled rice from P43 to P46 per kilo, and regular milled rice from P33 to P45 per kilo.

However, some retailers stated they would only be able to adhere to the new MSRP with their next delivery.

The DA also plans to recommend the imposition of higher rice tariffs to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.