DA to push for rice tariff hike

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will push to increase the current 15 percent tariff on imported rice during the third periodic review to help lift local palay prices without rocking the retail market while market conditions are favorable.

- By JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told The STAR that an increase in tariff would help lift prevailing palay farmgate prices, especially that the next harvest season is just a few months away.

Tiu Laurel did not give a specific increase in the rice tariff rate that they are looking to secure during the meeting.

"As long as it is increased," Tiu Laurel said on the sidelines of the 2025 Post-SONA discussions yesterday.

"It will help lift palay prices and it won't affect much (rice retail prices) as international prices are low," Tiu Laurel added.

Rice traders track the landed cost of imported rice, which is significantly affected by prevailing tariff rate and factor it in in their buying price for locally produced palay.

Various industry groups have proposed the reversion of the rice tariff to its original rate of 35 percent to drive up palay farmgate prices.