Rice import ban extended to yearend in bid to stabilize price

National

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved an extension of the temporary suspension on rice imports until December 31, 2025, in a move aimed at stabilising farm-gate prices for palay and supporting domestic producers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the extension follows an initial 60-day moratorium (Sept 1–Oct 31) during which the government sought to counter the sharp drop in palay prices ahead of the wet-season harvest.

“While the ban had limited effect on retail rice prices and supply, it produced meaningful relief for farm-gate palay prices,” Laurel explained in an Inquirer.net report.

The DA projects that the country’s rice supply remains adequate under a 120-day import suspension, estimating between 89 to 92 days’ worth of stocks by year-end based on current per-capita consumption.

To complement the import ban, the government will continue the rollout of its “Sagip Saka” initiative and pursue the institution of a floor price for palay procurement — measures intended to shore up earnings for rice farmers.

However, critics warn that while the ban may support farmers, it could restrict supply and keep retail rice prices elevated unless imports are resumed or alternative measures are introduced.

Meanwhile, the DA said retail prices for well-milled rice are currently averaging about ₱42 per kilo, and regular-milled at around ₱40 per kilo — levels that remain broadly stable despite the import freeze.

Farmers in major production provinces have welcomed the extension, saying it provides breathing space amid a challenging market environment marked by over-importation, weather-related harvest problems and weak palay prices.(Ma. Victoria Diana, USJ-R Comm Intern)