Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21) — The Philippines will remain as the world’s top rice importer in 2024, according to a forecast by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In USDA’s latest report, the Philippines is projected to import 3.8 million metric tons of rice this year.

China is the second top rice importer, followed by Indonesia, European Union, Nigeria, and Iraq.

The report also said Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Ethiopia, Iran, South Korea, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Yemen are seen to increase their rice imports this year.

According to the Bureau of Plant Industry’s Jan. 11 data, the Philippines imported 3.6 million metric tons of rice, slightly lower than in 2022 with 3.8 metric tons.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said the government plans to secure its rice trade agreement with Vietnam during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The president also eyes importing rice from Cambodia to sustain supply amid the looming impact of El Niño, the Palace said, adding that Cambodia is targeting to get a one percent share of the market of imported rice in the Philippines this year.

Published Date: January 21, 2024