Rice import ban extended for at least 30 days - Tiu Laurel

Metro Manila, Philippines - The importation ban on rice will be extended for at least 30 days, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Monday, Sept. 29.

The existing rice import ban is from Sept. 1 and will end on Nov. 2. It was extended following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order in a bid to stabilize rice prices.

“Napagdesisyunan na i-extend ng minimum of 30 days ‘yung ating import ban. It is possible na hanggang end of the year pa ‘yan, depende pa sa sitwasyon. Ang problema kasi bumaba na naman ang presyo ng palay,” Tiu Laurel said in a chance interview at the House of Representatives.

[Translation: It was decided to extend the import ban for a minimum of 30 days. It is possible to be further stretched until the end of the year, depending on the situation. The problem is the prices of rice decreased again.]

The agriculture chief said a kilogram of rice at farmgate price plummeted to P6 to P8 amid back-to-back tropical cyclones.

To support farmers, Tiu Laurel said an executive order (EO) will be released prohibiting local governments from buying imported rice.

He said an EO will also be issued for emergency procurement.

“Approved na in principle ng ating presidente na mag-i-issue siya ng EO for emergency procurement ng palay at emergency procurement for additional lease at renta ng warehouses para makabili tayo ng mas marami pang palay sa ating mga farmers sa depressed rice areas,” he shared.

[Translation: The president also approved in principle the issuance of an EO for emergency procurement of palay and for additional lease and rent of warehouses to be able to buy more palay from our farmers in depressed rice areas.]

Tiu Laurel said tariffs on imported rice may be raised after the import ban lapses.