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
Latest from Business
The Philippines reclaimed its position as the world’s second-largest banana exporter in 2025, according to the
DHL Express will raise its average shipping rates in the Philippines by 5.9 percent starting Jan.
The National Food Authority (NFA) expects to miss its 790,000-metric-ton palay procurement target this year due
The Philippines has received an additional 9,151 metric tons raw value (MTRV) quota to export raw
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has created a technical working group to strengthen farmers’ participation in