By Susan Reidy.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Milled rice production in the Philippines is expected to rebound in 2025-26 due to more favorable weather conditions and increased government support, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

Milled rice production is estimated at 12.25 million tonnes, an increase of 2.1% from the previous season. Harvested area also is expected to increase 2.2% to 4.7 million hectares.

Funding for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, which was to end in 2024, increased from PHP 10 billion ($174.5 million) to PHP 30 billion ($523.6 million) until 2031. From 2019 to 2024, the program increased rice production from 18.62 million tonnes to 20.04 million tonnes, the FAS said.  

Rice imports are expected to decrease 1.9% to 5.2 million tonnes given the forecast increase in local production.

Corn production is expected to marginally increase by 0.6% to 8.2 million tonnes in 2025-26 due to more favorable weather conditions, continued government support programs and increasing demand for animal feed.

Feed corn consumption is expected to increase 2% to 7.75 million tonnes due to projected increase in feed demand from the broiler, layer and pet food industries. Food, seed and industrial consumption also is expected to increase 1.4% to 2.23 million tonnes due to an increase in population and demand for corn-based products such as cornstarch, corn oil, and syrups.

Imports are expected to increase 7.4% to 1.75 million tonnes to fill the supply gap as demand for food and feed continues to grow, the FAS said.

Wheat imports are expected to hold steady at 7.2 million tonnes while consumption is expected to increase by 2.7% to 3.75 million tonnes.Milling wheat consumption is expected to increase in 2025-26 due to continued growth in population, rising household incomes, and diversification of diet, the FAS said. 

Published Date: April 2, 2025