- The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the upcoming 60-day rice import pause should not trigger retail price increases.
- Retailers were told to comply with the PHP43/kg maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5% broken imported rice.
- Officials said supply is ample, with 2.815 million MT in nationwide stocks and record-high palay harvests this year.
The Big Picture
The Department of Agriculture warned retailers not to use the planned 60-day rice import suspension to justify price increases after a joint DA–DTI inspection at Manila’s Quinta Market found some stalls selling 5% broken imported rice above the PHP43/kg ceiling. In remarks first reported by the Philippine News Agency-PNA , officials said recent upticks appear speculative rather than supply-driven, citing solid inventories and strong first-half palay output.
What’s New
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. reminded sellers they “cannot sell at a high cost” and must follow the PHP43/kg MSRP, adding he would investigate and “identify their source” if prices exceeded guidelines. DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said supply remains sufficient, citing strong import arrivals in recent months, more shipments expected in August, and a robust domestic harvest.
The Philippine News Agency reported that as of July 1, national rice stocks stood at 2.815 million metric tons, comprising commercial, household, and National Food Authority reserves. Premium imported rice in Metro Manila is priced between PHP42 and PHP48/kg, while local premium rice sells for PHP46 to PHP57/kg. First-half palay production reached a record 9.077 million MT, surpassing the previous year’s figures.
What They’re Saying
Tiu Laurel also said retailers should sell local rice if needed and comply with the MSRP for imported rice, warning that overpricing during the suspension would draw scrutiny.
Context
The 60-day import pause is aimed at supporting farmers during peak harvest while maintaining stable prices. Officials highlighted that with inventories at healthy levels and production at historic highs, the market has enough cushion to avoid sudden price spikes tied directly to the suspension.
What’s Next
During the import ban, DA will focus on enforcement of the PHP43/kg MSRP for imported 5% broken rice and coordinate with trade authorities to prevent speculative pricing. Inspections will continue at key markets nationwide.
The Bottom Line
With supply stable and harvests strong, DA insists price hikes linked to the import pause are unjustified—and retailers who ignore the MSRP can expect enforcement action.
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