Imported rice arrivals in May reach 1.8 MMT, reports BPI
Published on: May 30, 2024.
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Philippines Imports Over 1.88 Million Metric Tons of Rice; Vietnam is Leading Supplier
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the Philippines imported more than 1.88 million metric tons (MMT) of rice as of May 16. Vietnam was the largest supplier, accounting for 1.38 MMT of imports. Thailand followed with 287,167.19 metric tons (MT), and Pakistan with 139,823.50 MT. Other rice suppliers to the country were Myanmar (64,040 MT), China (5,460 MT), and Japan (2,166.59 MT).
Orison Free Enterprise Inc. topped the list of 150 rice importers with a total volume of 125,904.35 MT, trailed by BLY Agri Venture Trading with 118,744.99 MT, and Macman Rice and Corn Trading with 96,425.80 MT. River Valley Distribution Inc. and Vitram Marketing Inc. were also among the top importers, bringing in 69,360 MT and 64,983.88 MT, respectively.
Rice Importation Statistics and SPSIC Issuance
The BPI issued 3,992 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) certificates to cover the importation of 4.66 MMT of rice. In January, 979 SPSICs were issued for 2.25 MMT, followed by 703 in February for 554,718.97 MT, and 1,025 in March for 815,750.10 MT. In April and May, the BPI issued 895 and 390 SPSICs for 687,671.53 MT and 353,164.62 MT, respectively.
USDA Forecasts Record Rice Imports for the Philippines
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has adjusted its rice import forecast for the Philippines to 4.2 MMT in 2025. This increase is attributed to the country’s need to feed its growing population and accommodate the rising number of tourists visiting the country. The USDA’s latest monthly report on global grains trade stated, “The Philippines’ imports are forecast up to a record 4.2 million tons on continued growth in consumption. The Philippines is expected to again be the largest global rice importer.”
Last year, the Philippines imported nearly 3.6 MMT of rice, which was slightly lower than the USDA’s forecast of 3.9 MMT.
Impact of El Niño on Rice Production
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that unmilled rice production in the first quarter decreased by 2 percent to 4.685 MMT, compared to the previous year’s output of 4.77 MMT. The decline in production was attributed to the adverse impact of El Niño.
Government Efforts to Reduce Rice Imports
In December 2023, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced its plans to decrease the country’s reliance on rice imports by promoting the production and consumption of white corn. The DA intends to formulate an industry roadmap to support the production of white corn, which is widely consumed in certain regions of the Philippines. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Special Order 1488 to authorize the creation of a technical committee responsible for developing the white corn industry roadmap.
