Why the PH Has Imported 4 Million Tons of Rice This Year

Key Facts

Rice imports hit about 4.07 million tons as of October 1, up 20% from last year.

Most of it came from Vietnam: 2.73 million tons.

Imports could go past 5 million tons this year, says a farmers' group.

PAGASA warns El Niño could be very strong into early 2027.

Imported special rice averaged P60.74 a kilo as of October 15.

Rice is life, and right now the country is stocking up.

According to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the Philippines imported about 4.07 million metric tons of rice as of October 1. That's 20% more than the 3.39 million tons at the same point last year.

Where it's coming from

Vietnam: 2.73 million tons (by far the biggest)
Thailand: 552,667 tons
Myanmar: 418,854 tons
Plus Cambodia, Pakistan, India, South Korea, Japan and Italy

Why the rush?

One word: El Niño. PAGASA has warned it could become a very strong event by the end of 2026 and last into the first half of 2027. Think less rain, long dry spells, lower water supply and extreme heat in some areas.

The Department of Agriculture said in September the country might need to import as much as 5 million tons this year. Raul Montemayor of the Federation of Free Farmers thinks that's realistic: "5 million metric tons for 2026 is very possible." He expects traders to stock up early before supplies get tight in early 2027.