Philippines Extends Rice Import Ban During Harvest

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an extension of the country's rice import ban beyond the initial 60-day period that began on September 1, though the duration remains unspecified. The suspension targets regular milled and well-milled rice, excluding varieties not commonly produced locally, and aims to protect farmers during harvest and stabilize prices. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel is recommending a 15–30 day extension and considering higher tariffs on imported rice. The Philippines, which imported 4.8 million metric tons of rice last year—mainly from Vietnam and Thailand—has seen rice inflation ease from a 15-year high of 24.4% in March to a 17% decline in August, helping bring overall inflation to 1.7%, below the government’s 2.0–4.0% target. Tariff cuts on rice and other goods remain part of the broader anti-inflation strategy.