Analysts warn DA’s rice import halt may stoke inflation, food insecurity

A PROPOSAL by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to suspend rice imports and restore higher tariffs could stoke inflation and worsen hunger, analysts said on Tuesday, as the Philippines continues to face food insecurity.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio Reporters

Marie Annette Galvez-Dacul, executive director of the University of Asia and the Pacific Center for Food and Agribusiness, said the import ban might benefit local farmers but risk triggering price increases.

“The proposed rice import halt and tariff hike may benefit farmers but could lead to higher rice prices and inflation, affecting low-income households the most,” she said in a Viber message. “It risks short-term food insecurity without immediate support or sufficient local supply.”

The presidential palace on Monday said the agency proposal aims to protect local rice producers from the influx of cheaper foreign rice, while ensuring a balance between farmer support and national food security.

Former Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar echoed concerns about the timing of the tariff hike, citing potential inflationary impacts and weather-related supply risks.

“Food inflation needs to be properly managed,” he said via Viber, adding that more extreme weather events are expected in the next three months, which could affect the country’s rice inventory.

He added that while raising tariffs might be justified in the future, the government should consider the timing.

“We can start adjusting to a higher tariff on imported rice effective starting the harvest in November.”

Albay Rep. Raymond Adrian E. Salceda said the government could start hiking imported rice tariffs to support local producers after inflation slowed to a nearly six-year low in July.

“Now that inflation has eased, especially in food prices, we can afford to go back to policies that give our local farmers a fighting chance,” he said in a statement.