MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said the continued arrival of imported rice should lead to lower retail prices as the Philippines approaches its peak harvest season.

In a Zoom interview, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that while there is no maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) yet for 5-percent broken imported rice, prices should generally be lower.

“Some varieties must be cheaper already. There will be a separate discussion with importers regarding this,” de Mesa said.

According to DA Bantay Presyo, premium imported rice in Metro Manila sells for PHP50–63 per kilo, well-milled rice at PHP43–49, and regular-milled rice at PHP36–46. Local premium rice ranges from PHP43–60 per kilo, with well-milled at PHP45 and regular-milled at PHP40.

As of Feb. 26, the Bureau of Plant Industry reported over 700,000 metric tons (MT) of imported rice — 374,000 MT in January and 333,000 MT in February.

To protect local farmers, de Mesa said traders and importers agreed to limit rice imports to 150,000 MT per month from March to April, preventing oversupply and supporting farmgate prices.