Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 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 suspension is a more calibrated action—one that we can quickly reverse if needed,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel. “It gives us the flexibility to act fast to protect both our farmers and our consumers. A premature tariff hike, on the other hand, could backfire and would take much longer to undo.”
The DA chief added: “We are walking a tightrope here. The stakes are high for both our farmers and the Filipino people, so it’s crucial that we strike the right balance.”
Starting September 1, President Marcos will enforce a 60-day suspension on rice imports. The move 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.
Reports suggest that in some places, rice traders are buying palay at P8 a kilo—just two thirds of the amount spent by the most efficient farmers to produce a kilo of palay. While the Department of Agriculture had recommended raising the rice tariff from the current 15 percent to 25 percent—and later to 35 percent—President Marcos opted to delay that decision.
The rice import tariff was lowered to 15 percent from 35 percent in July of last year to counter rising rice prices at the time. Secretary Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture will use the two-month import freeze to assess its effects on palay prices and the broader market.
“If this strategy leads to higher farmgate prices and better income for our farmers, we may no longer need to raise the tariff,” he explained. “What matters most is that we make a well-informed decision because millions of lives depend on the outcome.”
