President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. ordered a 60-day suspension of all rice imports starting September 1, 2025, to protect local farmers struggling with plummeting palay prices during the current harvest season, Malacañang announced Wednesday.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said the directive came after President Marcos consulted with Cabinet members on the sidelines of his five-day state visit to India.
The move was made upon the recommendation of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, amid growing concern over the impact of cheap rice imports on local producers.
According to Gomez, President Marcos emphasized that the focus for now is halting imports rather than revising tariffs on imported rice.
“We will still see if we need to resort to that,” Gomez said.
“Right now, the decision is to suspend all rice importation for 60 days beginning Sept. 1. That is the order of our beloved president to help our rice farmers,” he added.
Earlier this week, the agriculture department is pushing for higher tariffs on imported rice and a temporary import suspension to protect local farmers from falling palay prices and market disruptions.
The move aims to ensure fair income for farmers while safeguarding national food security amid fluctuating global rice prices and rising imports.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated.
