DEPDev extends 15% rice tariff until Nov

The 15% tariff on imported rice will remain unchanged until at least November, according to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

DEPDev Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon stated that a review every four months is mandated by Executive Order No. 62.

Farmer groups have petitioned to revert to the original 35% tariff to protect local producers from cheaper imports, but DEPDev has not made any recommendations yet.

Rice prices dropped by 14.3% in June, and supply remains stable with an inventory of 2.24 million metric tons as of June.

The government is considering measures such as enhanced access to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund and reinstating regulatory powers for the National Food Authority (NFA) to support farmers.