The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that rice imports in June rose 20.1% year on year to a record 2.75 million metric tons, citing data from the Bureau of Plant Industry. The increase was attributed to concerns over the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which prompted importers to build up inventories, according to a report by BusinessWorld.
DA Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel V. De Mesa said the higher imports were a proactive measure to ensure sufficient supply and stabilize prices amid dry weather forecasts. The Philippines has been grappling with rising food costs, and the government has sought to balance domestic production with imports to meet demand.
The record import volumes come as other rice-producing nations in Asia also face El Niño-related production risks. The DA continues to monitor weather patterns and coordinate with traders to secure adequate stock levels for the coming months.