‘Gradual, flexible’ rice tariff in January 2026 to stabilize prices

Metro Manila, Philippines - The government will implement a “gradual and flexible” tariff adjustment on rice imports by January 2026 in a bid to stabilize prices and protect the farm sector, the socioeconomic planning agency said on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the Philippines will keep the tariff rate at 15 percent until Dec. 31.

“Starting Jan. 1, 2026, a more gradual and flexible tariff adjustment shall be adopted, with adjustments by 5 percentage points per 5 percent change in international prices, subject to a minimum rate of 15 percent and a maximum rate of 35 percent,” it said.

The Economy and Development Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., adopted the recommendation of the Tariff and Related Matters Committee.

The DEPDev said this was “part of a broader government strategy to ensure stable rice prices and protect both farmers and consumers, while safeguarding macroeconomic stability.”

In August, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recommended the gradual increase in tariff rate as low farmgate prices hit farmers, but the president was not inclined to discuss higher tariffs at the time. 

Farmer groups, meanwhile, have called for the immediate reimposition of the 35 percent tariff rate.

In June last year, Marcos issued Executive Order 62 to slash rice tariffs to 15 percent from 35 percent in a bid to lower retail prices.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan also said the extension of the rice import ban until year-end “renders the rice tariffs redundant, as they no longer affect local market prices.”

The Department of Agriculture assured the public of enough rice stocks even with the extension of the import suspension and the anticipated palay “record harvest” this year.