Rice Imports in The Philippines Decline by Roughly 21% Over a Five-month Period.

Notwithstanding this decline, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts that the Philippines would continue to be the preeminent rice importer globally in 2025, with imports anticipated to escalate to 5.4 million tonnes, and further to 5.5 million tonnes in 2026.

In the initial five months of 2025, the Philippines imported 1.7 million tons of rice, representing a 20.9% decrease compared to the previous year.

This decline is ascribed to a little increase in domestic rice production in the first quarter, with output totaling 4.69 million tons, slightly above the 4.68 million tons noted in the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

Notwithstanding this decline, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) anticipates that the Philippines would continue to be the preeminent rice importer globally in 2025, with imports projected to escalate to 5.4 million tons, and further to 5.5 million tons in 2026.

This expected growth is propelled by causes including population expansion, increased tourism, and the fundamental role of rice in the Filipino cuisine.

In reaction to these trends, the Philippine government has enacted measures to stabilize rice prices and guarantee affordability. An executive order enacted in June 2024 reduced the duty on imported rice to 15%, which will remain in effect until 2028, with periodic reviews every four months.

Secretary of Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has stated that the Department of Agriculture may suggest a gradual rise in import taxes throughout the forthcoming harvest season to assist local producers and regulate the influx of imported rice.

These developments illustrate the Philippines' continuous endeavor to reconcile domestic agricultural output with the requirement for rice imports to satisfy national consumption needs.