The Department of Agriculture is considering raising tariffs on imported semi-milled and wholly milled rice from Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan and Myanmar to protect local farmers from the impact of rising imports.
A preliminary investigation found that increased rice imports, particularly from Vietnam, have reduced the domestic industry’s market share and lowered farmgate prices.
The proposed safeguard duty would increase the current 15 percent tariff by at least 13 percentage points, subject to the Tariff Commission’s review.
The Department of Agriculture said the move aims to address serious injury to the local rice sector caused by cheaper imported rice.
However, Pakistan questioned whether the proposed tariff increase complies with World Trade Organization rules.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 13, 2026
