The Marcos administration is considering extending the current suspension of rice imports until the end of 2025, as the policy has not yet succeeded in stabilizing palay (unmilled rice) prices amid a bumper harvest, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel confirmed on Monday, September 29, that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had approved a 30-day extension of the initial 60-day rice import suspension.
However, Mr. Tiu Laurel said it is highly likely that the measure will be extended once more for another 30 days, pushing the suspension until December 31.
He explained that the extension had been requested by local millers and traders last week after farm-gate prices of palay dropped sharply.
Earlier, President Marcos had ordered a 60-day import ban starting September 1 to help raise farm-gate prices and protect farmers from the influx of cheap imported rice, which had been blamed for pushing prices down.
Rice Prices Drop Below Production Costs
According to Mr. Tiu Laurel, rice prices initially rebounded after the ban took effect, climbing from ₱8 per kilogram to ₱14–₱17/kg in some areas.
However, as the harvest season peaked, prices fell again to around ₱6/kg, far below production costs of ₱12–₱14/kg.
He noted that this year’s good weather conditions during planting led to an abundant harvest, unlike previous seasons affected by drought.
“Clearly, we don’t need to import rice right now,” he emphasized.
If the import ban is maintained through year’s end, total rice imports into the Philippines will amount to 3.08 million metric tons, according to data as of September 11.
Mr. Tiu Laurel added that recent typhoons have worsened the situation, as many farmers were unable to dry their palay, reducing quality and market value.
“This is a serious concern. Over the weekend, the DA, the National Food Authority (NFA), and the President himself coordinated urgent measures to support farmers,” he said at a sideline event.
Emergency Measures and Policy Responses
The Secretary revealed that the government plans to issue several executive orders (EOs) to raise palay prices and support affected farmers.
One directive will prohibit local government units (LGUs) and state agencies from buying imported rice, requiring them instead to procure rice directly from local farmers.
Another measure, approved in principle, will authorize the NFA to buy palay directly at emergency prices and rent private warehouses to expand storage capacity.
Under this emergency plan, the NFA—chaired by Mr. Tiu Laurel—will purchase wet palay at ₱17/kg.
The government is also considering the introduction of a minimum support price for palay to further stabilize the market.
Import Tariff Increase Under Review
Finally, the Agriculture Secretary said the President is set to issue an EO that would raise rice import tariffs once the import ban expires.
Mr. Tiu Laurel confirmed he is working closely with Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Presidential Adviser for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go to evaluate possible tariff adjustments from the current 15% to 20%, 25%, or even 35%.
“We hope to finalize the decision before the suspension expires,” he noted.
Previously, the Agriculture Department had proposed restoring the import tariff to 35%, its earlier level, but suggested doing so gradually to minimize disruptions in the rice market.
In summary, the Philippines’ potential extension of its rice import ban highlights a delicate balancing act: protecting local farmers and stabilizing palay prices while ensuring adequate domestic supply. As the harvest peaks and weather uncertainties persist, the government’s policy decisions in the coming months will be crucial to both rural livelihoods and national food security.