Philippines Extends Rice Import Ban
Implications for Global & Vietnam Markets – Cam Rice

The Philippines, one of the world’s largest rice importers, has announced an extension of its temporary ban on rice imports beyond the initial 60-day period, according to a statement from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s office on Friday. While the duration of the extension was not specified, the move continues a policy that began on September 1, aimed at protecting local farmers during the peak harvest season and stabilizing domestic rice prices.

Background of the Ban

The original order, signed by President Marcos earlier this month, suspended the import of regular milled and well-milled rice while allowing specialty varieties not commonly grown in the Philippines to continue entering the market. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has also proposed adding another 15 to 30 days to the suspension and is considering a tariff increase on imported rice to further safeguard local producers.

Key Market Context

The Philippines imported around 4.8 million metric tons of rice in 2024, mostly from Vietnam and Thailand, underscoring its importance as a major export destination for Vietnamese rice. The extension of the import ban could delay new shipments and create temporary market uncertainty, particularly for Vietnamese exporters who supply a significant share of the Philippine market.

Rice prices in the Philippines have been volatile in recent years. After surging to a 15-year high with a 24.4% annual increase in March 2024, prices have since eased, falling by 17% in August 2025. This decline has helped tame overall inflation, which averaged just 1.7% in the first eight months of this year—below the government’s 2.0%–4.0% target. Lower tariffs on rice and some other commodities were also extended to maintain ample domestic supply and prevent sudden price spikes.

Implications for Vietnam’s Rice Exporters

Vietnam, as the Philippines’ largest rice supplier, will be closely monitoring how long the suspension remains in place and whether tariff changes follow. Exporters may need to adjust shipping schedules and pricing strategies while seeking alternative markets to offset potential short-term slowdowns.

At the same time, global rice trade fundamentals remain resilient. Seasonal demand from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia continues to support Vietnamese exports, and exporters with stable financial capacity are expected to use this period to prepare inventory for end-of-year orders when the Philippines reopens its market.

Cam Rice Export remains committed to supporting international partners during market shifts like this. With our fully integrated production chain, from contract farming fields to modern milling, cold storage, and private port facilities, we maintain competitive pricing while ensuring quality and supply consistency even when trade conditions change.

​Source: Reuters, September 26, 2025