Palay prices rise after rice import ban announced

Farmgate prices of palay have increased a week after President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. announced a two-month suspension of rice importation starting September 1, 2025.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that prices in Nueva Ecija and other key regions have improved, with Central Luzon seeing an increase to PHP16.98 per kilogram for dry palay.

The DA aims to address shifting consumer preferences towards higher quality rice by directing farmers to plant high-yielding varieties that meet Filipino market demands.

Based on data from the National Food Authority (NFA), prices have risen in six of the 13 key rice-producing regions, while dropping sharply in others such as Ilocos and Cagayan Valley.

Agriculture Secretary Laurel stated that if palay prices remain low during the ban, the government may consider extending it or recommending tariff increases to President Marcos.

The Philippines' palay output reached a record 9.08 million metric tons in the first half of 2025, supporting the Department of Agriculture's goal of an all-time high production level of 20.46 million tons this year.