President Marcos Jr. suspends all rice imports starting September 1 to protect local farmers amid low palay prices.

Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of all rice importation for a period of 60 days beginning September 1, 2025, in an effort to address the plummeting farmgate prices of palay during the local harvest season.

‍

The move was based on the recommendation of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who warned that the surge in rice imports has pushed down prices, severely affecting Filipino farmers. Reports indicate that palay is being bought for as low as ₱6 to ₱11.50 per kilo in some provinces — well below the estimated production cost of ₱14.52 per kilo.

‍

“This will help stabilize local prices and protect our farmers during the peak harvest,” Laurel said. He also raised the possibility of increasing rice import tariffs from the current 15% back to 35% in stages.

‍

The suspension comes more than a year after the issuance of Executive Order No. 62, which had lowered tariffs to increase rice supply and reduce retail prices. Officials, however, assured that despite the suspension, rice stocks are sufficient and consumer prices are not expected to spike.

‍

The Department of Agriculture will coordinate with customs and trade agencies to ensure the immediate implementation of the suspension and monitor its effects on the market.