The Philippines has officially returned to the international rice market since the beginning of 2026, after lifting a four-month import ban (which was in effect from September 2025).
However, the import tax rate on rice remains unchanged at 15%.
Gerald Glenn Panganiban, Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), recently issued guidance on resuming rice imports. According to the guidance, imported rice must arrive in the country within 60 days of the issuance of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance Certificate (SPSIC). According to agricultural officials, this means imported rice is expected to arrive at ports by the end of February 2026.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture had previously announced that 500,000 tons of rice would be allowed to be imported into the country during the aforementioned period. The department continues to manage rice imports to stabilize domestic prices. The Philippine Department of Agriculture and related agencies and organizations in the rice industry have agreed on stricter import management, especially during the summer harvest, when domestic production peaks.
BPI has waived the 10% deposit requirement associated with SPSIC applications for new rice imports, a move industry experts believe will ease the financial burden on rice importers.
The Thai Trade Office in Manila said that the Philippines' resumption of imports is a positive development and an opportunity for Thai exporters, who are one of the country's traditional rice suppliers.
According to BPI data, the Philippines imported nearly 3.37 million tons of rice in 2025, a decrease of about 30% compared to 4.81 million tons in 2024 due to a four-month import ban.
Source: VTV
Share:
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
