DA implements P55 MSRP for imported rice starting Feb 15

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Tuesday that it will implement a nationwide maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice starting Feb. 15, reducing the MSRP to P55 per kilogram for 5 percent broken imported rice.

This reduction follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order last year to lower tariffs on imported rice from 35% to 15%, and is part of ongoing efforts to decrease prices and improve affordability for consumers.

The DA plans further reductions, aiming to bring the MSRP down to P49 per kilogram by early March following a review of market conditions.

Retailers exceeding these price levels will be required to justify their pricing to authorities, with the DA conducting monthly reviews to ensure compliance and maintain affordability.

However, farmer groups have criticized these policies, arguing that they prioritize imported rice over locally produced rice and fail to address low farmgate prices for palay.