Marcos Suspends Rice Importation for 60 Days
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially ordered the suspension of the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice for a period of 60 days. This move aims to protect local farmers and stabilize rice prices across the Philippines.
According to Executive Order No. 93, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the suspension will take effect from September 1, 2025, through October 30, 2025. Local leaders noted that this decision came after careful evaluation and strong recommendations from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Reasons Behind the Suspension
In the executive order, President Marcos cited a report from the DA dated August 8, 2025, which highlighted a robust local rice production early this year. Officials reported that the combination of increased domestic harvest and previous months’ heavy arrival of imported rice, facilitated by reduced tariff rates, caused a significant drop in rice prices nationwide.
“Upon the recommendation of the DA, the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice is hereby suspended,” the executive order states. Community members said that this suspension coincides with the peak harvest season, allowing the domestic market to absorb local supply effectively.
Supporting Filipino Farmers and Stabilizing Prices
The suspension is intended to help stabilize rice prices and ensure that Filipino farmers can sell their palay at fair and reasonable rates. Local experts emphasized that this temporary halt will prevent the market from being flooded with cheaper imported rice, which has previously disadvantaged local growers.
Importantly, the suspension does not apply to specialty rice varieties that are not commonly produced by Filipino farmers. This exception ensures that niche markets remain unaffected while addressing the core issue of protecting staple rice farmers.
Background on Previous Measures
Earlier in August, President Marcos had already called for a similar suspension to shield local farmers from price drops caused by imported rice. This latest order reiterates the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and maintaining food security.
Officials reported that the government continues to monitor rice market conditions closely and will adjust policies as needed to balance supply, demand, and fair pricing.
For more news and updates on rice importation, visit Filipinokami.com.
