THE maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice will remain during the two-month suspension of rice imports ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced.
The MSRP for 5 percent broken imported rice was reduced to P43 per kilo from P45 on July 16.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. decided to suspend rice importation between September and October to stabilize palay prices, which have reportedly fallen to as low as P8 per kilo—far below production costs, even for the most efficient farmers. The sharp decline has raised concerns about the livelihoods of the country’s estimated 3 million rice farmers.
“We will maintain the MSRP even during the two-month rice import ban,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel. “Throughout the suspension, we will closely monitor supply and market dynamics—especially among retailers, wholesalers, and importers—and take appropriate action to uphold market discipline.”
He added that the duration of the suspension may be shortened or extended depending on price movements and the outcome of the main harvest in the coming months. Specialty rice varieties, such as Japanese, black, and basmati rice, will be exempt from the ban.
Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry showed that total imported rice arrivals between January and July reached 2,443, 337.556 metric tons, with pending Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSICs) covering an estimated 300,000 metric tons. The Philippines consumes roughly 9.8 kgs of rice per person per month (325.5 grams/day), according to PSA
Under the Rice Tariffication Law, President Marcos has the authority to halt rice imports in order to safeguard local farmers and stabilize market prices. The Department of Agriculture said it remains prepared to adjust policies if supply tightens, while ensuring that both farmers and consumers receive fair prices
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