Philippines plans 2026 imports of 3.8M tons as supply fears linger

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January 9, 2026 | 8:15am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture said the Philippines may import as much as 3.8 million metric tons of rice in 2026, as domestic production is expected to remain flat while demand continues to rise.

At a press briefing on Thursday, January 8, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said rice importation for the year is projected at 3.6 million metric tons at minimum and up to 3.8 million metric tons at maximum, assuming production levels stay the same as in 2025.

“Our projected rice importations for this year, assuming our production remains the same as of last year, is 3.6 million tons minimum and maybe maximum of 3.8 million tons because, of course, our population is increasing,” Tiu Laurel said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry showed that rice importation declined by 30% in 2025, falling to 3.37 million metric tons from 4.8 million metric tons in 2024.

Trying to assuage worries of citizens over rice prices, Tiu Laurel said the department is seeking to prevent another surge by expanding the implementation of the P20-per-kilo rice program.

Under the program, households will be allowed to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice per month to help temper inflationary pressures, he said.

Budget support, higher tariffs

The P20-per-kilo rice program is being implemented under the DA’s declaration of a food security emergency, which remains in effect.

Tiu Laurel said the 2026 national budget allocated P10 billion for the rice subsidy program, with an additional P4 billion in unused funds carried over from 2025.

He also confirmed that rice tariffs have been raised to 20%, with the increase set to take effect on January 16.