Philippines Rice Import Data: Top Importers & Market Trends in 2024-25

Discover the latest Philippines rice import data for 2024–25, including top rice importers, major supply countries, market trends, tariff impacts, and import values. Get insights into the Philippines’ rice import trends, HS codes, and future projections.

May 9, 2025 0 2.3k

Philippines Rice Import Data: Top Importers & Market Trends in 2024-25

In the global rice market, the Philippines plays a significant role as one of the top importers of rice. As we look ahead to the trends and projections for 2024-25, it is essential to analyze the import data and understand the market dynamics. According to the Philippines import data and rice import data of Philippines, the total value of the Philippines rice imports accounted for $2.51 billion in 2024, a 54% increase from the previous year. As per the global trade data, the Philippines solidified its position as the world's top rice importer in 2024, importing a record 4.8 million metric tons (MT) of rice. This surge was driven by reduced domestic production due to extreme weather conditions and the lowering of rice import tariffs from 35% to 15% under Executive Order No. 62. Let's delve into the Philippines' rice import data, top importers, and market trends for the upcoming years.

Rising Demand for Rice in the Philippines

Rice is a staple food in the Philippines, with per capita consumption among the highest in the world, as per the Philippine rice imports statistics. However, the country's rice production has been unable to meet the domestic demand, leading to a heavy reliance on imports to bridge the gap. In recent years, the demand for rice in the Philippines has been steadily increasing, driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences.

List of Rice Importers in the Philippines

List of Rice Importers in the Philippines (2024): Philippines Rice Importers Database

In 2024, the top 10 rice importers in the Philippines accounted for approximately 40% of total rice shipments, as per the Philippine rice imports statistics. Sodatrade Corporation tops the list of rice importers in Philippines. The exclusive list of rice importers in Philippines, as per the Philippines rice importers data & the Philippines import database, and the Philippines rice importer data for 2024-25, includes

Rank	Importer Name	Import Volume (MT)	Approx. Import Value (USD)
1	Sodatrade Corporation	117,500 metric tons	$70 million
2	Lucky 99 Buy and Sell	115,000 metric tons	$68 million
3	Vitram Marketing Inc.	113,000 metric tons	$66 million
4	Macman Rice & Corn Trading	110,000 metric tons	$64 million
5	Atara Food Inc.	108,000 metric tons	$63 million
6	Bly Agri Venture Trading	105,000 metric tons	$61 million
7	Orison Free Enterprise Inc.	102,000 metric tons	$60 million
8	Arvin International Marketing Inc.	100,000 metric tons	$59 million
9	Asia Agricom Trading Inc.	98,000 metric tons	$58 million
10	Century Pacific Food Inc.	95,000 metric tons	$56 million

Philippines Rice Imports by Country: Top Philippines Rice Import Partners

The Philippines has several key import partners when it comes to rice imports. Among the top countries that the Philippines imports rice from are Vietnam, Thailand, India, and China. These countries play a significant role in meeting the Philippines' rice demands, ensuring a stable supply of this essential staple food. The top 10 rice import sources of the Philippines, as per the Philippines rice imports statistics and Philippines import shipment data for 2024, include:

Vietnam: $1.81 billion

Vietnam is the top rice import partner of the Philippines, supplying the country with $1.81 billion worth of rice, as per the Philippines customs data on Rice imports from Vietnam. Vietnam is known for its high-quality rice, and the Philippines has been importing rice from Vietnam for many years.

Thailand: $328.63 million

Thailand is another major rice supplier to the Philippines, with $328.63 million worth of rice imported from the country, as per the data on Philippines rice imports from Thailand. Thai rice is popular for its fragrant aroma and excellent taste, making it a favorite among consumers in the Philippines.

Myanmar: $103.21 million

Myanmar is also a significant rice import partner of the Philippines, providing $103.21 million worth of rice. Myanmar is known for its high-quality rice varieties, which are well-received in the Philippines.

China: $64.54 million

China is a major rice exporter to the Philippines, with $64.54 million worth of rice imported from the country. Despite being a major rice producer itself, China also exports rice to countries like the Philippines to meet the high demand for rice.

India: $48.91 million

India is another important rice supplier to the Philippines, with $48.91 million worth of rice imported from the country. Indian rice varieties are known for their different flavors and textures, adding variety to the rice market in the Philippines.

South Korea: $3.64 million

South Korea is a lesser-known rice supplier to the Philippines, providing $3.64 million worth of rice. Despite being a small amount compared to other countries, South Korean rice is still valued for its quality and taste.

Cambodia: $1.80 million

Cambodia is another rice import partner of the Philippines, supplying $1.80 million worth of rice. Cambodian rice is gaining popularity in the Philippines due to its unique taste and aroma.

Bangladesh: $1.09 million

Bangladesh is a relatively new rice supplier to the Philippines, with $1.09 million worth of rice imported from the country. Bangladeshi rice is known for its high nutritional value, making it a healthy choice for consumers in the Philippines.

Japan: $318K

Japan is a minor rice supplier to the Philippines, providing $318K worth of rice. Japanese rice is highly prized for its superior quality and flavor, making it a premium choice for consumers in the Philippines.

Italy: $28K

Italy is a small rice supplier to the Philippines, with $28K worth of rice imported from the country. Italian rice is unique for its Arborio and Carnaroli varieties, which are often used in dishes like risotto.

Philippines Rice Imports in the Last 10 Years: Historical Philippines Import Data

Philippines Rice Imports

Year of Imports	Philippines Rice Import Value ($)
2014	$446.22 million
2015	$464.72 million
2016	$210.67 million
2017	$278.71 million
2018	$736.64 million
2019	$1000 million
2020	$862.01 million
2021	$1190 million
2022	$1270 million
2023	$1630 million
2024	$2510 million

Philippines Rice Import Data by HS Code (2024)

Semi-milled or wholly milled rice (HS code 100630): $2.26 billion
Broken rice (HS code 100640): $160.26 million
Rice in the husk, "paddy" or rough (HS code 100610): $97.26 million
Husked or brown rice (HS code 100620): $41K

Top Imported Rice Types in the Philippines: Philippines Rice Import by Category (2024)

In 2024, the Philippines imported a variety of rice types, with specific categories standing out as top choices for import. Among the top imported rice types in the Philippines were premium quality Jasmine rice, known for its fragrant aroma and long grains, Basmati rice, preferred for its slender grains and unique flavor, and Arborio rice, popular in Filipino kitchens for its exceptional texture when cooked. The major rice categories imported by the Philippines in 2024-25, as per the Philippines shipment data and Philippines rice import data, include:

Rank	Rice Type	Approx. Volume (Metric Tons)	Import Value (USD)
1	Fragrant Rice (e.g., Jasmine, DT8)	2,000,000 metric tons	$1.0–1.2 billion
2	Well-Milled White Rice	1,200,000 metric tons	$550–650 million
3	Regular-Milled White Rice	800,000 metric tons	$350–450 million
4	Glutinous Rice (Malagkit)	300,000 metric tons	$150–180 million
5	Parboiled Rice	150,000 metric tons	$75–90 million
6	Aromatic Long-Grain Rice (e.g., Basmati)	100,000 metric tons	$70–85 million
7	Broken Rice	80,000 metric tons	$30–40 million
8	Short-Grain Japonica Rice	50,000 metric tons	$25–30 million
9	Red Rice	30,000 metric tons	$15–20 million
10	Black/Purple Glutinous Rice	20,000 metric tons	$10–15 million

Key Insights:

Fragrant Rice (such as Jasmine and DT8 varieties) dominated imports, accounting for over 40% of total rice imports.
Well-milled and Regular-Milled White Rice remained staples in the import mix, catering to the general consumption needs.
Glutinous Rice (Malagkit) held a significant share due to its use in traditional Filipino delicacies.
Parboiled and Aromatic Long-Grain Rice (like Basmati) was imported to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Specialty Rice, such as Red and Black/Purple Glutinous Rice, though imported in smaller quantities, addressed niche markets and culinary applications.

Top Rice Varieties Imported by the Philippines in 2024

Vietnamese Varieties: DT8 and 5451: These fragrant rice varieties are favored in the Philippines for their softness and affordability, especially in Metro Manila and southern provinces.
Thai Jasmine Rice: Known for its aroma and quality, Thai Jasmine rice remains a popular choice among Filipino consumers.
Myanmar’s Paw San Hmwe: This aromatic rice variety is recognized for its fragrance and grain elongation during cooking.
Indian Varieties: India supplied approximately 22,000 MT of rice to the Philippines in 2024, including various aromatic and non-aromatic types and Basmati rice, as per the data on Philippines Basmati rice imports from India.
Chinese Varieties: China contributed around 44,000 MT of rice, encompassing different varieties to cater to the Philippine market.
Japanese Rice: Although in smaller quantities, Japanese rice varieties were also part of the imports, catering to niche markets.
Cambodian Rice: Cambodia exported about 1,331 MT of rice to the Philippines, adding to the diversity of imported rice.
Italian and Spanish Varieties: Specialty rice from Italy and Spain, though imported in minimal amounts, contributed to the variety available in the market.
Taiwanese Rice: Taiwan supplied rice varieties that complemented the Philippines' import portfolio.

Philippines Rice Import Trends & Shipment Data

Total Imports (2024): 4.8 million metric tons
Import Value: $2.51 billion, making rice the 7th most imported product in the country.
Top Suppliers:

Vietnam: ~2.61 million MT (over 80% market share)
Thailand: ~416,185 MT
India: ~76,971 MT

The significant increase in imports was attributed to the tariff reduction, which made imported rice more affordable, and the need to stabilize domestic rice prices amidst supply challenges.

Tariffs & Policy Impacts

Tariff Reduction: Executive Order No. 62, effective July 2024, reduced rice import tariffs from 35% to 15%, aiming to stabilize domestic rice prices and ensure food security.
Revenue Impact: Despite the tariff cut, rice tariff collections reached a record ₱34 billion in 2024, a 13.11% increase from the previous year, due to higher import volumes.
Market Response: The tariff reduction led to increased imports and fluctuation in rice imports, especially from Vietnam, which benefited from the lower tariffs and secured larger contracts with Philippine importers.

Market Trends & Outlook for Philippines Rice Imports (2025)

Import Projections: The Department of Agriculture forecasts a potential decrease in rice imports in 2025, contingent on improved domestic production and favorable weather conditions.
Price Dynamics: Global rice prices experienced a decline due to increased supply from major exporters like India and Vietnam. This led Philippine importers to delay purchasing approximately 350,000 MT of Vietnamese rice, awaiting more favorable pricing.
Food Security Measures: In February 2025, the Philippines declared a food security emergency to address persistently high retail rice prices, despite global price reductions and lower import tariffs. The government plans to release buffer stocks to stabilize prices.

Philippines Rice Import Market Trends in 2024-25

Looking ahead to 2025, several market trends are expected to influence the rice trade between the Philippines and its key suppliers. These trends include:

Shift towards Sustainable and Organic Rice: With increasing consumer awareness about food safety and environmental sustainability, there is a growing demand for organic and sustainably produced rice in the Philippines. Importers are likely to explore partnerships with suppliers that offer certified organic rice varieties to meet this demand.
Diversification of Rice Varieties: Filipino consumers are becoming more adventurous in their culinary preferences, driving the demand for exotic and specialty rice varieties. Importers may seek to expand their product offerings to include unique rice types such as black rice, red rice, and jasmine rice to cater to this trend.
Digitalization of Rice Trade: The digitalization of trade processes is expected to streamline the rice import business in the Philippines, improving efficiency and transparency in transactions. Importers are likely to adopt digital platforms for sourcing, pricing, and logistics management to stay competitive in the market.
Government Policies and Regulations: Changes in government policies and regulations, such as tariffs, quotas, and import restrictions, can have a significant impact on the rice trade in the Philippines. Importers need to stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape to mitigate potential risks and capitalize on new opportunities.

Key Takeaways

The Philippines' rice imports reached unprecedented levels in 2024, driven by tariff reductions and domestic supply challenges.
Vietnam remained the dominant supplier, capitalizing on the tariff cuts and strong trade relations.
The top 10 importers played a significant role in the market, controlling 40% of rice shipments.
Policy measures, including tariff adjustments and emergency declarations, were implemented to manage rice prices and ensure food security

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Philippines' rice import data reveals the country's strong dependence on foreign rice supplies to meet domestic demand. By understanding the top importers and market trends for 2024-25, importers can make informed decisions to navigate the dynamic rice trade landscape effectively. As the Philippines continues to play a vital role in the global rice market, staying ahead of the curve with data-driven insights is crucial for success in the industry.

We hope that you liked our insightful blog report on the Philippines Rice Import Data. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in to get the latest global trade data or the Philippines import-export database with a customized report for the first quarter of 2025! Visit TradeImeX to get a list of top rice importers in the Philippines & the Philippines rice import-export data.