Philippines Resumes Import of Vietnamese Rice After Four-Month Hiatus

The Philippines has resumed rice purchases from Vietnam after a four-month hiatus that lasted from September to December 2025. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, the country remains the primary exporter of rice to the Philippine market, supplying about 40% of the total volume of Vietnamese rice exports in 2025.

This is reported by AgroReview

Import Plans and Changes in Customs Policy

The Philippines maintains the current import duty rate at 15%, although there is currently consideration for increasing it to 20%. It is projected that in 2026, rice import volumes to the country could reach 3.6 million tons, with Vietnamese rice potentially accounting for 75–80% of the total volume, or about 2.7–2.88 million tons.

Rice Supply Requirements

All shipments must comply with strict quarantine and phytosanitary requirements. Cargoes must arrive at the port within 60 days, and customs clearance is conducted only through 17 designated ports.

“After a four-month suspension of rice imports (September–December 2025), the Philippines has resumed purchases of Vietnamese rice.”