MANILA (UPDATE) - The Philippines is projected to be the world's top importer of rice in 2025, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

The USDA estimates the Philippines will import 4.2 million metric tons (MT) of rice next year to meet its growing demand.

PH rice imports surge in first 2 months of 2024

This is higher than the 4.1 million metric tons of rice that the country is projected to import this year.

Indonesia meanwhile is forecast to import only 1.5 million MT, down from 2 million MT this year. 

China is also expected to import only 1.5 million MT next year as high global prices reduce the incentive to import, and as local production rises, the USDA said. 

RICE TARIFFS AND PRODUCTION

The Philippines has been struggling for decades to raise its rice production and achieve self-sufficiency. Surging prices of rice in recent months have contributed to faster inflation this year. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is aiming to revise the Rice Tariffication Law, which includes the proposal to restore the National Food Authority’s function of selling more affordable rice to retail outlets during food security emergency situations.

Gabriela Party List Representative Arlene Brosas raised the failure of the RTL to fulfill its promise to lower rice prices and move towards rice self-sufficiency. 

“Ang ipinapakita ng datos, mas tumaas pa ang rice imports natin. Tinagurian tayong world’s largest rice importer,” she said.

The House of Representatives expects to pass the bill before Congress adjourns on May 24.

Lawmakers eye giving govt more power to intervene in rice market