The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday announced that the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5 percent broken imported rice will be lowered to PHP43 per kg. starting July 16, citing improved global supply and eased geopolitical tensions.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the price cut follows a steady drop in global rice and oil prices, and positive harvest forecasts from major producers such as India, Pakistan, and Thailand.

“Global rice prices have since declined, alongside softening oil prices,” he said.

The DA earlier postponed the initial plan to bring down the MSRP on 5 percent broken imported rice on July 1 due to the recent conflict in the Middle East.

To date, the MSRP for 5 percent broken imported rice is at PHP45 per kg., down from the initial PHP58 per kg. MSRP in January.

Besides declining oil prices in the global market, the Agriculture chief also mentioned good palay (unhusked rice) harvest from other major rice-producing countries.

“We are also seeing positive projections for record harvests from key producers like India, Pakistan, and Thailand. These developments could improve global supply and help pull prices further down,” Tiu Laurel said.

As of Wednesday, the prices of premium imported rice in Metro Manila range from PHP44 to PHP47 per kg., according to the DA Bantay Presyo (price watch).

Prices of imported well-milled rice, meanwhile, are between PHP38 per kg and PHP48 per kg.; and imported regular milled rice from PHP33 per kg. to PHP45 per kg.

Prices of premium local rice range from PHP42 per kg. to PHP60 per kg.; local well-milled rice, PHP37 per kg. to PHP48 per kg.; and local regular-milled rice, PHP35 per kg. to PHP42 per kg.

RCEF balance

Meanwhile, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the agency is seeking the release of the remaining balance of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to support the upcoming planting season.

Although PHP34 billion in rice tariffs was collected in 2024, only PHP10 billion was included in the 2025 national budget.

“Nine billion pesos will go to mechanization, PHP6 billion will go to inbred seeds. So that’s PHP15 billion,” De Mesa told reporters in a press briefing on Wednesday.

The remaining balance will be allocated for seven projects, including rice farmers’ financial assistance, expanded rice credit assistance, solar-powered irrigation systems and water impounding for soil health improvement, composting facilities for biodegradable wastes, training and extension services, as well as pest and disease management.

De Mesa, however, said that the approval of the proposed allocation will still be subject to the concurrence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PNA)