A month after the government imposed a 60-day ban on imported rice, supplies of the staple remain abundant at the Malimgas Public Market in Dagupan City, but prices have gone up.

Deliveries from suppliers have continued to arrive, keeping stocks steady. However, imported rice from Vietnam that used to sell at P45 per kilo now costs P49 to P50 per kilo.

“Tumaas talaga ang presyo ng imported ngayon pero maraming supply talaga,” Ricky Felix, a rice trader, said.

According to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), the current supply was due to shipments that arrived before the September 15, 2025 cut-off despite the ban.

“May shipment record na may SPSIC pinalabas pa rin nila up to ang cut-off is September 15, meaning na extend ng 15 days ang arrival kaya maraming stocks ngayon,” Engr. Rosendo So, SINAG chairman, said.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced the rice import ban, originally set to end on November 2, has been extended by another 30 days and may last until the end of 2025, depending on market conditions.

Meanwhile, commercial rice prices have dropped by P4 to P5 per kilo as the harvest season continues, with some varieties now selling for as low as P30 per kilo.

“Malaking bagay sa amin na mura ang bigas,” Liza Minor, a consumer buying rice at the market, said.

Farmers, however, are struggling with palay prices falling to P6 per kilo in some areas.