Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Philippines may allow limited rice imports from Pakistan as part of efforts to diversify suppliers and expand trade links, following a meeting with a visiting Pakistani delegation.
Tiu Laurel said Pakistan offered to supply rice, citing surplus production. He stressed, however, that any imports would be strictly limited and based on the country’s actual needs, as the government continues to push for rice self-sufficiency.
“The Philippines welcomes Pakistani rice, but we will only import what we need. Food security comes first,” he said.
The Philippines remains a major rice importer due to supply gaps caused by weather problems, growing demand, and long-standing challenges in the farm sector. Tiu Laurel said imports will continue to supplement, not replace, local rice production.
He added that the government is reviewing its sourcing strategy to avoid relying too heavily on a single supplier.
Beyond rice, the talks also covered wider trade opportunities. Pakistan is seeking Indian buffalo meat and is open to importing more Philippine products such as coconuts, seaweeds, fish, and other agricultural goods.
Tiu Laurel said expanding trade with countries beyond the Philippines’ immediate neighbors helps strengthen food security and economic cooperation.
Any rice imports from Pakistan would still have to meet Philippine regulatory, sanitary, and quality standards, as discussions and technical reviews continue, the Department of Agriculture said.
