The United States Department of Agriculture has raised its rice import forecast for the Philippines to 5.20 million metric tons for the 2026-2027 marketing year.
The revision follows a lower projection for local rice production due to rising fuel and fertilizer costs, reduced planting areas, and possible impacts of a looming super El Niño.
Despite higher imports, the USDA said government policies, including the ₱50-per-kilo price cap on imported rice, are expected to temper import demand.
The agency also projected lower rice stocks by the end of the marketing year.
Meanwhile, rice consumption is expected to remain steady despite higher retail prices.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 27, 2026
USDA SEES HIGHER PHILIPPINE RICE IMPORTS AMID LOWER PRODUCTION
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