MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) may raise the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of imported rice to P45 per kilo from P43 by the second week of January, depending on the peso–dollar exchange rate.
This comes amid the impending increase in rice tariffs to 20 percent from 15 percent starting January 16, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
“Our MSRP for imported rice for now is P43. But we all know that the peso depreciated yesterday to 59.33, and if the exchange rate remains the same by January 16, plus the 5 percent increase in tariffs, we will most likely issue a new MSRP of P45 per kilo to address the reality,” he said mostly in Filipino during a Palace briefing on Thursday.
Tiu Laurel said the agency will announce its final decision on January 15.
In November 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 102, which extended the suspension of the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice until December 31.
The measure was implemented to help stabilize farm-gate prices of palay (unhusked rice) and protect farmers from cheap imported rice. /jpv
© Copyright 2025 The SSResource Media.
All rights reserved.