Philippine president orders suspension of rice importation

6/8/2025 18:34

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Wednesday ordered the suspension of rice importation for 60 days beginning Sept. 1 to protect Filipino farmers during this current harvest season.

Marcos issued the directive after consulting with cabinet members and upon the recommendation of Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.

The country's Department of Agriculture earlier recommended to Marcos the temporary suspension of rice importation and an increase in tariffs on imported rice to protect local farmers.