The Philippines will increase tariffs on imported rice to 20% in January 2026, citing currency depreciation and expected global price hikes.
MANILA: The Philippines will increase tariffs on imported rice to 20% from the current 15% starting January 1, 2026.
The Agriculture Department (DA) announced the change as the government prepares to resume rice imports next year.
Importation is currently halted to protect local palay farmers during the wet harvest season.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the tariff increase reflects the recent depreciation of the peso.
He also cited the likelihood of higher global prices once the Philippines reenters the market.
To ease cash-flow pressures, the DA will waive the usual 10% down payment for Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSICs).
The Bureau of Plant Industry will process SPSIC applications covering 500,000 metric tonnes of imports.
This volume includes a 50,000 metric tonne allocation for government agencies.
Tiu Laurel urged local rice importers to diversify their international suppliers.
“Instead of relying almost entirely on Vietnam, we encourage importers to consider Cambodia, Myanmar and other non-traditional suppliers,” he said.
All imported rice shipments must arrive by mid-February 2025.
This timeline aims to ensure reasonable farmgate prices at the start of the dry harvest season.
It is also intended to protect local unhusked rice producers.
Limited rice imports from January to February will only be allowed through 17 designated ports nationwide.
These include the ports of Manila, Batangas, Tacloban, Bacolod, and Davao.
Other ports are in Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Cebu, Iloilo, and Capiz.
The list also includes Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Subic, Calbayog, General Santos, and Tabaco. – Bernama-PNA
