Rice and corn posted higher inventories compared to last year, signaling improved supply buffers, although stock levels declined from the previous month, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Rice stocks as of 1 March reached 1.88 million metric tons, up 16.5 percent from 1.61 million metric tons a year earlier.

The increase was driven by gains across all sectors, with stocks in National Food Authority (NFA) depositories rising by 34.9 percent, households by 15.9 percent, and the commercial sector by 6.9 percent.

Despite the annual growth, rice inventories fell 11.1 percent from February’s 2.11 million metric tons. The decline was largely due to a sharp drop in commercial holdings, which slipped by 28.7 percent, alongside a 4.1 percent reduction in NFA stocks. Household stocks slightly increased by 1.0 percent during the period.

Households continued to hold the largest share of rice stocks at 48.4 percent, followed by the commercial sector at 30.1 percent and NFA depositories at 21.5 percent.

Robust corn stocks rise

Corn stocks also showed a similar pattern. Total inventory reached 465,860 metric tons, marking a 26.4 percent increase from 368,510 metric tons in March 2025. Gains were supported by higher stocks from both households, which rose by 31 percent, and the commercial sector, which grew by 25.6 percent.

Rising global fuel costs continue to push up transport and logistics expenses, adding pressure to food prices across the supply chain.