Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered a 60-day suspension of rice imports, from September 1 to October 30, in an attempt to stabilise prices during the domestic harvest, according to The Nation. 

The decision, announced after a Cabinet meeting, followed a proposal from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who argued that the influx of cheap imported rice was undermining local farmers. 

According to the Department of Agriculture, traders have been purchasing paddy at only PHP8–10 ($0.14-0.17) per kilogramme, well below the production cost of PHP12–14, leaving many farmers struggling to cover expenses.

The suspension will cover regular milled and well-milled rice, but speciality varieties such as basmati will be exempt. Officials noted that the measure should lift prices for farmers, although retail rice prices are forecast to increase by PHP1–2 per kilogramme.

Thailand’s Office of Commercial Affairs in Manila confirmed that Thai exporters would be affected, as shipments scheduled after September 1 might not be delivered. Pending orders from other rice-exporting countries could also face disruption.

Arada Fuangtong, Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade, said Philippine rice importers are lobbying authorities for flexibility, particularly for contracts already signed. She added that Thailand is preparing measures to mitigate the impact, including securing new export markets and boosting trade partnerships.

Planned initiatives include accelerating government-to-government sales, such as fulfilling the remaining 280,000 tonnes under a contract with China’s COFCO, and targeting markets with strong demand, including Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Thailand also plans to send a trade mission to Japan from September 7-11 and will host a delegation of Hong Kong rice importers in November.

In parallel, the government is working to promote Thai rice internationally through trade fairs and the Thailand Rice Convention (TRC) roadshow. The programme will also feature farmer seminars, aimed at encouraging the cultivation of rice varieties aligned with global demand.

The Philippines has become an increasingly important buyer of Thai rice. In 2024, exports to the country totalled $333mn, up nearly 59% from the previous year. Between January and June 2025, Thailand shipped around 141,000 tonnes to the Philippines, representing 3.78% of its total rice exports.

Arada reaffirmed Thailand’s target of exporting 7.5mn tonnes of rice this year despite the temporary setback.