Philippines plans to extend rice import ban until April

07-Oct-2025 01:54 PM

Manila. Following the decision to ban rice imports in the Philippines, the world's largest rice importing country located in Southeast Asia, plans are underway to extend the ban until April 2026 to encourage indigenous farmers to increase production.

According to trade analysts, a prolonged ban on rice imports could further pressure the global market price of this important food grain, which has already fallen significantly. The Philippines' largest rice imports come from Vietnam and Thailand, with a small amount also imported from India.

The Philippine Agriculture Minister told Parliament that the government may only allow rice imports for approximately one month in January 2026, as at least 300,000 tons of rice are expected to be needed during that time.

It is worth noting that the rice import ban has been in place in the Philippines since September 1, 2025. This ban was initially believed to be for two months (60 days), but the Agriculture Minister has now indicated that it could remain in place until April 2026, after another break in January 2026.

This plan by the Philippine government could provide the country's rice producers with an opportunity to obtain better prices, especially during the peak harvest season, and the government aims to protect farmers' interests. However, this is likely to significantly increase the supply and availability of rice in the global market.

According to a leading trade analyst, the global market price of rice is already under significant pressure due to expected increased production in the world's major supplier countries and signs of weak demand in major buyer countries.

In such a situation, if imports remain suspended in the largest buyer country, prices are likely to fall further, making it difficult for rice producers in exporting countries to obtain profitable prices.