Rice import ban risks supply gap

The Philippines' rice output, which soared to a record high in the first half, may not be enough to meet the anticipated demand during the 60-day import ban set to begin next week, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

- By DEXTER BARRO II

In a report, the USDA said the country imported over 750,000 metric tons (MT) of rice during mid-September to mid-November in the two previous marketing years.

Based on an estimated consumption, which it did not quantify, the foreign agency said the import demand during the period of temporary ban will be at "similar levels."

"While domestic rice production in the first half of 2025 increased by over six percent compared to last year, this growth may not fully offset the anticipated demand during the import ban," the USDA said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that production of palay or unmilled rice from January to June reached a record 9.08 million MT, up six percent from 8.53 MT in the same period last year.

The first-half harvest surpassed the previous record of 9.03 million MT in 2023, the year when the country saw its highest annual output of palay at 20.06 million MT, equivalent to 13.2 million MT of milled rice.