The Philippines imported 408,860 metric tons of milled rice in January 2026, according to the latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report, surpassing a voluntary limit previously suggested by agriculture officials.
The total free on board (FOB) value for the month reached $159.37 million. The growth was recorded despite the Department of Agriculture (DA) reaching a prior consensus with stakeholders to cap imports at 300,000 metric tons until the end of February to avoid a supply glut before the peak harvest season.
Vietnam continued its dominance as the primary source of grain for the Philippines, accounting for 93 percent of the total import value at $148.21 million.
Thailand and Myanmar followed as secondary suppliers, each contributing about 3.2 percent of the value at $5.16 million and $5.05 million respectively.
Other shipments included $620,000 from the Republic of Korea, while combined imports from India, Italy and several other nations represented 0.2 percent of the total, valued at $320,000. The PSA said these figures exclusively cover milled rice and do not include husk rice or paddy.
Under the current arrangement, the DA specified that imports should arrive by Feb. 28. Department of Agriculture officials said rice prices remained largely stable while the import limit was in effect.
While the market remains liberalized under national law, the agency sought the temporary 300,000-ton ceiling to protect local farmers.
DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa previously said the timing of these arrivals is intended to ensure they do not coincide with the main harvest period.
