USDA: Philippine Rice Imports Projected to Hit 5.6 MMT by 2027

USDA Projects Philippines to Remain World's Largest Rice Importer Through 2027

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts Philippine rice imports to reach 5.6 million metric tons (MMT) by 2027 as population growth and strong consumption continue to push demand higher. The Philippines is expected to remain the world's largest rice importer amid low global prices and increasing dependence on imported supply.

The USDA projection surpasses the Department of Agriculture's own estimate of 4.8 million MT, while rice imports already reached 1.6 million MT as of April 30, 2026. Rising fuel and fertilizer costs linked to Middle East tensions, along with the threat of El Nino, may reduce local rice production and trigger additional import requirements.