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The 60-day suspension of importation of regular and well-milled rice took effect on Monday, September 1, 1025 and will be in force until October 30
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The suspension, contained in Executive Order No. 93 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos on August 29, does not cover specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers
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The Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and Department of Trade and Industry, should also immediately issue the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the EO
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Suspension period may be shortened or extended, as may be necessary, upon the joint recommendation of several departments
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Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said Marcos’ decision to suspend rice imports for 60 days, while holding off on a tariff hike, is a “measured response” to the current challenges faced by rice farmers
The 60-day suspension of importation of regular and well-milled rice took effect on Monday, September 1, 2025 and will be in force until October 30.
The provisional policy, mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Executive Order (EO) No. 93 issued on August 29, is intended to protect Filipino farmers from low prices for palay (unmilled rice) during the current harvest season.
The suspension does not cover specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers, according to the EO.
“There is a need to suspend the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice for 60 days, which will coincide with the peak of harvest season, to enable the domestic market to absorb the local supply, stabilize prices, and help Filipino farmers sell their palay at a fair and reasonable price,” the EO states, citing the Department of Agriculture (DA).
READ: Marcos orders 60-day suspension of rice imports
DA earlier said the strong local production of rice in early 2025 and the heavy arrival of imported rice in the previous months due to reduced tariff rates for imported rice have resulted in the sharp decrease in the price of rice across the market.
The period of suspension under EO No. 93 may be shortened or extended, as may be necessary, upon the joint recommendation of the DA, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The three departments were directed to convene within 30 days upon the effectivity of the EO to evaluate the effects of the suspension of rice importation on the supply and prices of rice in the country.
The DA, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and DTI, should also immediately issue the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the EO, which should include, among others, the participation and coordination of concerned agencies, and enforcement and monitoring mechanisms.
Marcos’ suspension invokes the authority of the chief executive granted under the Rice Tariffication Law to temporarily halt for a limited period or limit foreign rice purchases in order to stabilize domestic prices.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said Marcos’ decision to suspend rice imports for 60 days, while holding off on a tariff hike, is a “measured response” to the current challenges faced by rice farmers.– Roumina Pablo
