PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a temporary halt to all rice imports for a period of 60 days, effective September 1, 2025.
This decision, announced by Presidential Communications Office acting Secretary Dave Gomez, aims to provide immediate relief to local farmers struggling with depressed palay (unmilled rice) prices during the current harvest season.
The move represents a significant shift in policy, prioritizing domestic farmers over potentially cheaper imported rice. The administration has opted for this temporary measure rather than immediately increasing tariffs on imported rice, suggesting a cautious approach to balancing the needs of farmers and consumers.
The decision, made after consultations with cabinet members during a state visit to India, follows a recommendation from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
While the Department of Agriculture (DA) previously suggested increasing tariffs on imported rice to curb excessive imports and generate revenue for farmer support programs, the administration has chosen a more immediate and direct intervention.
This temporary import ban provides a short-term solution to address the current crisis faced by farmers, buying them time while the government assesses the longer-term impact and considers other policy adjustments.
The 60-day period will allow the government to monitor the effects of the import suspension on palay prices and market conditions before deciding on more permanent policy changes, such as tariff adjustments.
The administration’s approach is described by Secretary Laurel as a “measured response,” acknowledging the need for flexibility to protect both farmers and consumers.
