How Philippine imports are reshaping Asia’s rice trade

View Full Transcript

One country is set to import more rice than it has in a decade and it’s already reshaping Asia’s rice trade. 

The Philippines, the world’s largest rice importer, is expected to import around 5.6 million metric tons of rice in marketing year 2026-27, according to S&P Global Energy and the USDA. 

Since early 2026, Manila has managed imports through monthly allocations and phytosanitary permits, supporting regional demand. 

Vietnam remains the Philippines’ top supplier, thanks to strong consumer preference for its rice.  

But as Vietnamese prices climbed, buyers turned to Thailand, Pakistan and Myanmar, lifting prices in these markets and reshaping regional trade flows. 

For July, the Philippines issued permits for around 200,000 metric tons, helping support Vietnamese prices despite availability of the country’s summer/autumn crop.

And while Thai second-crop arrivals are expected from late July, steady demand from the Philippines has helped limit downward pressure on Thai rice prices. 

Meanwhile, the Philippines just halted imports of 5% broken white rice, pushing importers to shift towards lower grades. 

As fresh harvests enter the market, the balance between rising supplies and Philippine demand will be key to determining the direction of Asian rice prices.