The government will keep the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice steady even as the two-month suspension of imports takes effect, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Wednesday.

The MSRP for 5 percent broken imported rice was cut from P45 to P43 per kilo on 16 July, a move meant to ease consumer costs while shielding local farmers from plummeting palay prices.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the September to October import halt to support domestic farm-gate prices, which have slid to as low as P8 per kilo – well below production costs for most growers. The steep drop has stoked concerns over the incomes of the country’s roughly 3 million rice farmers.

“We will maintain the MSRP even during the two-month rice import ban,” Tiu Laurel said.

“Throughout the suspension, we will closely monitor supply and market dynamics – especially among retailers, wholesalers, and importers – and take appropriate action to uphold market discipline.”

The agriculture chief said the suspension’s duration could be shortened or extended depending on price trends and the outcome of the main harvest. Specialty rice such as Japanese, black, and basmati will be exempt.

Bureau of Plant Industry data show imported rice arrivals between January and July totaled 2.44 million metric tons, with pending Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances covering another 300,000 MT. The Philippines consumes an average of 9.8 kilograms of rice per person monthly, or 325.5 grams daily, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Under the Rice Tariffication Law, the President may halt imports to protect farmers and stabilize prices. The DA said it will adjust policy if supply tightens, aiming to balance farmer protection with consumer affordability.