Rice imports expected to dip below 4 million MT next year

RICE IMPORTS in 2026 are expected to fall below 4 million metric tons (MMT), with the Philippines ordering less from foreign suppliers due to strong domestic production, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday.

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In a statement, the DA said rice import volumes next year will likely come in at between 3.6 MMT and 3.8 MMT, levels which the department said are sufficient to meet demand without depressing prices earned by domestic farmers for their crop.

The DA said the import projection assumes domestic production of 20.3 MMT of palay (unmilled rice) next year, which if realized would be slightly lower than the record 20.06 MMT in 2023.

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) is set to begin processing applications for Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances covering about 500,000 metric tons, including the 50,000 metric tons reserved for government agencies.