President Bongbong Marcos Announces 60-Day Suspension on Rice Imports via Executive Order

August 30, 2025

Philippines Suspends Rice Imports to Bolster Local Production

manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R.Marcos Jr. has issued an Executive Order, designated EO 93, directing the Department of Agriculture (DA) to oversee and enforce a 60-day halt on the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice. This decisive action, formally enacted on August 29th, is scheduled to take affect on September 1st and remain in place until October 30th, subject to potential modification or extension.

Protecting Local Farmers and Stabilizing Prices

The suspension, though, explicitly excludes specialty rice varieties that are not typically cultivated within the Philippines. This measure aims to safeguard the interests of domestic rice farmers by allowing the local market to absorb the current harvest and facilitating fair pricing for thier palay (unhusked rice). According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, local rice production increased by 1.2% in the first half of 2025, creating a window of opportunity for this import suspension.

The Department of Agriculture indicated that the decision follows a notable decrease in rice prices, attributed to both robust local production earlier in the year and the influx of imported rice benefiting from reduced tariff rates. This move seeks to capitalize on these favorable conditions and further stabilize the market for Filipino consumers.

Inter-Agency Collaboration and Monitoring

Under the terms of EO 93, the DA is tasked with spearheading the implementation of the import suspension, ensuring sufficient rice supply during the period, and adhering to all existing legal frameworks. The DA will collaborate closely with the Department of Economic Planning and Advancement (DEPDev) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to conduct thorough assessments of domestic rice supply and prevailing market prices.

Within 30 days of the order’s implementation, these three agencies will convene to evaluate the impact of the suspension. They will then submit a joint suggestion to the President regarding whether to lift or extend the measure, with the possibility of adjustments based on evolving market conditions.

Implementation and Guidelines

the Executive Order mandates the immediate development of comprehensive guidelines for enforcing the suspension. These guidelines will be jointly formulated by the DA, the Bureau of Customs, and the DTI. These agencies expect to streamline import control and ensure the EO is executed effectively.

Here’s a quick overview of the key details of Executive Order 93:

Aspect	Details
Order Number	EO 93
effective Date	September 1, 2025
suspension Period	60 days (September 1 – October 30, 2025), subject to change
Rice Types Affected	Regular milled and well-milled rice
Exemptions	Specialty rice varieties
Lead Agency	Department of Agriculture (DA)

Did You Know? The Philippines is one of the world’s largest rice importers, consistently relying on external sources to meet domestic demand.

Pro tip: Stay informed about market trends and government policies related to rice to make informed decisions as a consumer or business owner.

Understanding Rice Import Policies in the Philippines

The Philippines has a complex history with rice importation policies,ofen balancing the need for affordable food with the desire to protect local farmers. Import quotas, tariffs, and varying regulations have been implemented over the years, impacting both consumers and producers. Recent liberalization efforts, like tariff reductions, have aimed to increase supply and lower prices, but concerns remain about the potential impact on the livelihoods of Filipino rice farmers.This recent suspension demonstrates the government’s willingness to use regulatory tools to address specific market challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Rice Import Suspension

• What types of rice are affected by the import suspension? Regular milled and well-milled rice are subject to the 60-day restriction.
• Are specialty rice varieties included in the suspension? No, specialty rice varieties not commonly produced locally are exempt from the import ban.
• What is the purpose of suspending rice imports? The suspension aims to support local rice farmers and stabilize prices during the harvest season.
• Who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the suspension? The Department of Agriculture (DA) is the lead agency responsible for implementation.
• Could the suspension period be extended? Yes,the suspension period may be extended based on a joint recommendation from the DA,DEPDev,and DTI.
• When will the government review the impact of the suspension? within 30 days of the order’s effectivity,the DA,DEPDev,and DTI will convene to assess the impact.
• What actions will the government take if rice prices rise during the suspension? The DA, in coordination with other agencies, will take necessary actions to ensure sufficient rice supply and prevent price increases.

What impact do you believe this import suspension will have on the price of rice in the Philippines? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your network!

How might the 60-day rice import suspension affect the income of Filipino rice farmers?

Understanding the Rice Import Suspension

On August 30, 2025, President bongbong Marcos issued an Executive Order enacting a 60-day suspension on all rice imports into the philippines. This notable policy shift aims to support local rice farmers during the harvest season and stabilize domestic rice prices. The decision follows increasing concerns from farmer groups regarding the influx of cheaper imported rice undercutting their livelihoods and impacting the national rice supply chain. This move directly addresses issues of rice price stabilization, farmer support, and national food security.

Key details of the Executive Order

The Executive Order outlines several crucial points:

Duration: The suspension is effective for 60 days, commencing instantly upon signing.

Scope: The suspension applies to all forms of rice imports, including milled rice, brown rice, and rice husks. Existing import permits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Exemptions: Limited exemptions may be granted for specific cases, such as rice imports contracted prior to the Executive Order’s issuance, subject to strict verification.

Monitoring & Enforcement: The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are tasked with rigorous monitoring and enforcement of the import suspension.

Legal Basis: The order cites the President’s authority under the Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996 and the need to protect the agricultural sector.

Impact on Rice Prices and Availability

The immediate effect of the import suspension is anticipated to be a temporary increase in domestic rice prices.However, the government asserts this is a necessary measure to ensure fair returns for Filipino rice farmers.

Short-Term Price Fluctuations: Expect potential price increases in the first few weeks as the market adjusts to reduced supply from imports.

long-Term Stabilization: The goal is to stabilize prices in the long run by bolstering local production and reducing reliance on imports.

National Rice Stock: The National Food Authority (NFA) will play a critical role in managing the national rice stock and ensuring sufficient supply during the suspension period. The NFA’s current rice buffer stock is under scrutiny, with calls for increased reserves.

Retail Price Monitoring: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will intensify its monitoring of retail rice prices to prevent profiteering and ensure consumers are not unduly burdened.

Concerns and Criticisms of the Import Ban

While intended to benefit local farmers, the import suspension has drawn criticism from various sectors.

consumer Impact: Consumer groups express concerns about potential price hikes and reduced rice availability,particularly for low-income households.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Importers and traders fear disruptions to their businesses and potential losses due to canceled contracts.

Inflationary Pressures: Economists warn that the import suspension could contribute to overall inflationary pressures in the economy.

Potential for Smuggling: Increased restrictions on legal imports may incentivize rice smuggling, undermining the policy’s objectives. The government has pledged to strengthen border controls to combat rice smuggling.

Government Support for Local Rice Farmers

Alongside the import suspension, the government has announced several measures to support local rice farmers:

Increased Procurement: The NFA will increase its procurement of palay (unhusked rice) from local farmers at a support price.

Financial Assistance: Farmers will have access to low-interest loans and financial assistance programs to improve their productivity and income.

Infrastructure Advancement: Investments in irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities will be accelerated to reduce losses and enhance efficiency.

Fertilizer Subsidies: Continued provision of fertilizer subsidies to help farmers lower their production costs.

Mechanization Programs: Expansion of agricultural mechanization programs to improve farming efficiency and reduce labor costs.

Historical Context: Rice Import Policies in the Philippines

The Philippines has a long history of fluctuating rice import policies, often influenced by domestic production levels and global market conditions.

Agricultural Tariffication Act (1996): This landmark legislation liberalized the rice trade, reducing tariffs and allowing greater private sector participation.

Previous Import Restrictions: Prior to 1996, the Philippines maintained strict import quotas and a state-controlled rice market.

Recent Import Surges: In recent years, the Philippines has experienced surges in rice imports, driven by factors such as climate change, natural disasters, and increasing domestic demand. The impact of these surges on local rice production is a key factor in the current policy decision.

2008 Rice Crisis: The 2008 global rice crisis highlighted the Philippines’ vulnerability to external supply shocks and the importance of maintaining adequate rice reserves.

What This Means for Consumers: Practical Tips

Consumers can take several steps to mitigate the potential impact of the rice import suspension:

Plan Meals: Plan meals strategically to minimize rice consumption and incorporate option grains.

Explore Alternatives: Consider substituting rice with other carbohydrates like potatoes, corn, or sweet potatoes.

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