The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday assured the public that retail prices of imported and local rice will remain stable amid the lean months in the country.
“Wala namang inaasahang mataasang pagtaas kasi naging maganda naman ‘yung production,” said DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa.
The government has approved the resumption of rice importation following a strong local harvest during the four-month import ban. Imported rice is expected to reach markets within the month, helping maintain stable prices.
As of Wednesday, average prices in Metro Manila are:
- Premium imported rice (5% broken): ₱50/kg (₱45–₱56/kg)
- Imported well-milled rice: ₱47/kg
- Imported regular-milled rice: ₱42/kg
- Local premium rice: ₱50/kg
- Local well-milled rice: ₱45/kg
- Local regular-milled rice: ₱40/kg
“Effective Jan. 1, nag-start na uli ng importation pero may mga selected ports of entry lang para mabantayan nang husto,” De Mesa said, noting ports in Subic, Batangas, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Davao, General Santos, Tacloban, Tabaco, Zamboanga, Bacolod, Iloilo, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Calbayog, MICP, and Port of Manila.
Imported rice shipments must arrive within 60 days of the sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSICs).
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. also said the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5% broken imported rice may rise from ₱43/kg to ₱45/kg due to exchange rate changes and a tariff increase from 15% to 20%, effective January 16.