President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the Department of Agriculture’s recommendation to suspend all rice importation for 60 days, effective September 1, 2025.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said the suspension follows the President’s directive and aims to protect the local rice industry, particularly farmers currently facing low palay prices during the harvest season.
The decision was made after consultations with Cabinet members during the President’s five-day state visit to India.
“This move is intended to give our farmers a fair chance during the harvest period and prevent further decline in palay prices,” Gomez said, quoting the President’s instructions.
Marcos, who also serves as the concurrent Agriculture Secretary, expressed hesitation over proposals to raise tariffs on imported rice. He said any such adjustment would require thorough study before implementation.
“At this point, the President’s priority is the suspension of rice imports to help stabilize farmgate prices and reduce farmers’ losses,” Gomez said.
The temporary ban comes amid growing concern from farmer groups over the influx of cheaper imported rice, which they say has been depressing local market prices.
The Department of Agriculture is expected to monitor the supply situation closely during the suspension period and recommend further actions if necessary.
Officials have not yet announced whether the ban will be extended beyond 60 days, saying it will depend on the outcome of the measure and the prevailing market conditions.
