Marcos issues EO suspending rice importation for 60 days

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially directed a 60-day halt to rice imports.

On August 29, Marcos signed Executive Order 93, approving the Department of Agriculture's request to suspend the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice from September 1 to October 30, 2025.

Depending on the joint recommendation of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and the DA, the suspension period may be shortened or extended.

"According to the DA, there is a need to suspend the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice for 60 days, which will coincide with the peak of harvest season, to enable the domestic market to absorb the local supply, stabilize prices, and help Filipino farmers sell their palay at a fair and reasonable price," the EO said.

"The suspension of importation shall not cover specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers," it added.

Marcos directed the DA, in coordination with DEPDev and DTI, to submit implementation reports, including comprehensive information on the current supply of locally produced rice and the prevailing local prices.

The suspension plan was initially announced on the sidelines of Marcos' state visit to India earlier this month. —VBL, GMA Integrated News