Philippine rice imports expected to decline by 1.9% to 5.2 MMT this year

Philippine rice imports are expected to decline by 1.9% to 5.2 million metric tons (MMT) this year, with the Department of Agriculture projecting a lower range of 3.8 to 4 MMT due to improved domestic production.

The anticipated rise in milled rice production is driven by favorable weather conditions and increased government support through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which has been tripled from ₱10 billion to ₱30 billion until 2031.

Vietnam and Thailand are forecasted to remain key suppliers of rice to the Philippines in MY 2025/26 due to established trade relationships and competitive prices, despite the anticipated decline in imports.

For the first quarter, rice import volume decreased to 804,347 MT from 1.19 MMT recorded in the same period last year, according to DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa.

The Department of Agriculture attributes the potential overall rice import drop to a more positive outlook in local palay production and various government measures like setting maximum suggested retail prices for imported rice.