DA wants to retain rice tariff at 15%

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is aiming to retain the current rice tariff rate of 15 percent during the upcoming review next month, with the proposed gradual increase temporarily on hold due to concerns about timing.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the government would likely push the retention of the tariff rate by the end of the second quarter to avoid potential price increases in the commodity.

In a chance interview, Laurel explained that the Philippines' harvest season ended last month, coinciding with the end of harvest for other rice-exporting countries.

Increasing the duties levied on imported rice at a time when supply is limited could further drive up retail prices, undermining the recent gains of relatively lower prices of rice.

As such, the DA chief said he would likely push to increase the tariff rate during the harvest seasons of exporting countries.