Philippines : Rice imports to hit below 4MT in 2026 – DA
The Philippines expects rice imports to decline in 2026 to about 3.6–3.8 million tonnes, down from 4.8 million tonnes in 2024. Tighter controls aim to protect farmers as domestic palay output nears a record 20.3 million tonnes, balancing food security with stable consumer prices and limiting volatility during harvest seasons.
MANILA – The Philippines is projected to have lower rice imports in 2026, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday.
In an interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. disclosed that the import volume for next year will likely range from 3.6 million metric tons (MT) to 3.8 MT.
This is much lower than the 4.8 million MT logged in 2024, and closer to the current year’s 3.5 million MT total estimated rice imports due to the four-month rice import ban since September, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
The DA chief made the remarks after he conducted a consultative meeting with the rice importers on Monday to help balance the welfare of Filipino palay (unhusked rice) farmers and consumers.
“The government will limit the quantity to protect the rice farmers from what has happened in the past,” Tiu Laurel said in an interview, referring to the recent depressing levels of farmgate prices in the country.
The quantitative restriction is set to begin in the first half of 2026, wherein stakeholders agreed to calibrate their import volumes ahead of the local dry harvest season.
“This system na sinasabi ko (that I mentioned) will be for the first six months. (In) the second half of the year, we will formulate a new system,” Tiu Laurel said.
Tiu-Laurel cited initial plans to allow import allocation to importers who have voluntarily purchased local palay (unhusked rice).
Besides these, the DA also considers the possible record-high palay output in 2026, which is projected to hit 20.3 million MT. (PNA)
To Read more about RiceNewscontinue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : PNA
