Philippine rice imports climbed 20.1% year on year in the first half of 2026, reaching a record 2.75 million metric tons, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a July 8 briefing. Fears over El Niño's impact on the domestic harvest, plus rising fuel and fertilizer costs, are driving the buildup, according to DA spokesman Arnel V. De Mesa.
Key Facts
- Rice imports climbed 20.1% year on year to a record 2.75 million metric tons in H1 2026.
- Up from 2.29 million metric tons in H1 2025, the total already covers 57% of DA's full-year target.
- The DA is restricting 5% broken rice shipments while allowing 25% broken imports ahead of September's harvest.
The first half already accounts for 57% of the DA's full-year import target of 4.8 million metric tons. This pace matters for traders eyeing volume for the rest of the year.
Why El Niño Concerns Are Driving the Import Buildup
Mr. De Mesa said challenges remain with the domestic rice supply. El Niño and rising fuel and fertilizer costs continue to pose risks to this year's harvest.
Traders built inventory early rather than wait. "We need enough supply that is affordable," Mr. De Mesa told reporters, adding that the goal is to assure stable volume through the end of the year.
First-Half Imports Reach 57% of Full-Year Target
The DA's full-year import target sits at 4.8 million metric tons for 2026. Six months in, imports already cover 57% of that figure, up from 2.29 million metric tons in the same period last year.
The total also surpasses the previous full-year record of 2.34 million metric tons set in 2024, according to Manila Times. The pace could slow later this year.
DA Restricts Rice Grade Imports Ahead of September Harvest
The DA is currently allowing imports of 25% broken rice while restricting shipments of the 5% broken variety, pending the start of the harvest in September. The National Food Authority has also raised its buying price for palay, intended to support farmgate prices and reduce the need for imports once harvest begins.
Separately, a P50-per-kilo price cap on imported 5% broken rice lapsed on June 13. The National Price Coordinating Council has recommended a 60-day extension, a move still under review by the Office of the President.
