Philippines to import record 5 million tons of rice amid El Niño

The Philippines is expected to import a record 5 million tons of rice this year to mitigate the impact of a strong El Niño, which is projected to reduce domestic rice production by 900,000 tons in 2026. This target exceeds the previous record of 4.81 million tons set in 2024 and aligns closely with forecasts from the USDA.

Vietnam remains the primary supplier for the Philippines, accounting for approximately 2.56 million tons, or 74% of the country's total imports. Other significant suppliers include Thailand, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Cambodia.

In Vietnam, domestic rice and paddy prices remained stable as of early September 2026. In the Mekong Delta, various rice varieties such as IR 50404 and OM 5451 maintained steady pricing, while export prices for Jasmine rice were reported at approximately 534–538 USD per ton.