Phl to remain world's top rice importer

The Philippines is projected to remain the world's top rice importer for the fourth consecutive year in 2026, with total imports hitting 5.5 million metric tons (MT), the US Department of Agriculture said.

- By JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

The USDA estimated that Philippine rice imports would increase by 100,000 MT from this year's projected volume of 5.4 million MT, driven by higher demand for the staple.

"The Philippines is expected to remain the largest global rice importer," the USDA said in a report.

The USDA made its first trade forecast for 2026 in its May report on the global grain market situation. The Philippines has been the largest rice importer in the world since 2023.