Philippine Rice Prices Rebound After Four-Month Import Halt, DA Reports
Farmgate prices of palay, or unhusked rice, have begun to rebound in the Philippines following a four-month halt on rice imports implemented by the government, according to a statement from the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday, February 13, 2026. This development marks a positive shift after a period of decline driven by excessive importation in previous years.
Price Recovery and Historical Context
As of January 30, 2026, data indicates that dry palay has risen to P21.52 per kilogram, while fresh palay has increased to P18.42 per kilogram. This rebound follows a notable decline from late 2024 through 2025, which came after strong prices in 2023 and during the 2024 dry season harvest. Philippine Statistics Authority figures highlight this trend, showing how import policies have directly impacted local market dynamics.
In a detailed statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that government intervention has been crucial in countering the effects of what he described as "excessive" rice imports in prior years. These imports significantly drove down palay buying prices, undermining the profitability of rice farming and discouraging production among local farmers.
Impact of Excessive Imports and Domestic Oversupply
Laurel pointed out that in 2024, the Philippines recorded approximately 4.8 million metric tons of rice imports, which he estimated was "about one million to 1.2 million metric tons more than what the country actually needs." This surge led to a domestic oversupply, pushing farmgate prices down throughout 2025.
Monitoring by the National Food Authority revealed that prices fell to as low as P13.38 per kilogram during the peak harvest period in October. Additionally, sporadic reports cited traders offering prices as low as P8 and even P6 per kilo, further illustrating the severe impact on farmers' incomes.
Balancing Farmer Protection and Consumer Welfare
Secretary Laurel stressed the importance of striking a balance in import policies to ensure gains for all stakeholders in the rice value chain, including farmers, traders, millers, and consumers, while safeguarding national food security. He stated, "Striking the right balance ensures gains for everyone in the rice value chain -- farmers, traders, millers and consumers -- while safeguarding national food security."
To achieve this balance, the DA plans to calibrate its policies to maintain sufficient buffer stocks and time imports strategically, aiming to ease retail inflation without harming local producers. Earlier announcements included plans to impose quantitative restrictions to encourage traders to invest in local palay production, pending the enactment of the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment Act.
Future Plans and Industry Consultation
Under the proposed legislation, importers would receive allocations in exchange for procuring local palay or rice. While the specific ratio for local procurement-to-import allocation is still under review, Laurel assured industry stakeholders of close consultation throughout the process. The DA aims to roll out at least a version of this proposal in the second half of the year, signaling a continued effort to stabilize the rice market and support agricultural sustainability.
This strategic approach highlights the government's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by past import practices while fostering a more resilient and equitable rice industry for the future.
