Marcos suspends rice imports for 60 days starting 1 September

NEW DELHI, India — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of the importation of rice beginning September. 

This move aims to protect local farmers from low palay prices during the current harvest season.

"To protect local farmers reeling from low palay prices during this current harvest season, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. today announced the suspension of all rice importation for 60 days beginning Sept. 1, 2025," PCO Secretary Dave Gomez told reporters.

Meanwhile, possible tariff increase for rice imports are yet to he discussed as of writing. 

"We will still see if we need to resort to that," Gomez noted. 

The President issued the directive after consultation with Cabinet members on the sidelines of his five-day State Visit to India, and upon the recommendation of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tui-Laurel Jr.