Lower retail prices of imported rice seen
NO LABEL: Certain sellers were “intentionally confusing” consumers with branded imported rice, the DA said. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The government may cut the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) for imported rice if the “sharp decline” in global prices continues, an agriculture official said on Monday.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that the global market had seen a drop in rice prices in the first 10 trading days of 2025.
Vietnamese rice, in particular, recorded a significant cut from December figures. Data as of Jan. 10 showed that the price of 5-percent broken Vietnamese rice—referring to grains that have fractured during the handling or milling process—had decreased by 15 percent to $434 per metric ton against the $510 per metric ton a month ago.
READ: DA sets imported rice price cap at P58/kg
The price of 25-percent broken rice is even lower at $409 per ton, while the 100-percent broken rice is valued at $326 per ton.
The DA official said the drop in Vietnamese rice could be attributed to the country’s impending harvest season, which could boost supply. Vietnam is considered a crucial agricultural partner as it serves as the Philippines’ major exporter of rice.
Other major rice exporters like India and Thailand also logged price cuts earlier this month, “though not as steep as those from Vietnam,” de Mesa said.
“Our maximum suggested retail price for imported rice for 5 percent and 25 percent [broken rice], most likely, will further go down,” de Mesa said.
Late last week, the government announced its move to impose a maximum SRP (MSRP) for imported rice at P58 per kilo to curb the rising prices in the market.
The DA said the implementation would initially cover Metro Manila beginning Jan. 20.
The agency said the MSRP would be up for review every month to consider fresh factors affecting grain prices.
The government also prepared other measures to provide cheaper options to the public, including selling rice through “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” centers and kiosks, which may range from P36 to P45 per kilo.
Filipinos in the vulnerable sector, such as indigents, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, single parents, and indigenous people, can buy even more affordable rice supplies at P29 a kilo.
The National Food Authority was also ordered to sell its already-stored rice inventory for at least two months to local government units in the capital region at P38 per kilo.
