Rice tariffs won’t be 15% beginning 2026 – Tiu Laurel

Here is a revised version of the blog post

The Future of Rice Tariffs Insights from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel

As the Philippines resumes rice imports after a two-month suspension, questions arise about what lies ahead for consumers and farmers. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.'s recent comments offer valuable insights into the future of rice tariffs.

A Shift in Duty Rates

In 2025, the government reduced the import duty on rice from 35% to 15%, aiming to lower prices and curb inflation. This move benefited consumers by making rice more affordable. However, farmers had long been seeking better compensation for their crops.

The temporary suspension of imports this year aimed to boost farmer incomes by giving them a chance to sell their produce at higher prices. As the government resumes imports in January, finding a balance between supporting farmers and keeping prices affordable for consumers will be crucial.

Consequences of Higher Tariffs

Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasizes that international rice prices could increase by at least $50 per ton if tariffs rise again. This would lead to higher local prices, making rice more expensive for consumers. Farmers would also face challenges, with lower profits and potentially increased production costs discouraging some from planting rice in the future.

A Dynamic Situation

The government is weighing its options, considering factors like whether importers can negotiate early deals or set a specific internal target rate by December 15th. The goal remains to balance supporting farmers, keeping prices affordable for consumers, and ensuring food security. Secretary Tiu Laurel notes, What's important is that we empower our consumers... We will decide accordingly to protect both our farmers and our consumers.

Conclusion

As the Philippines navigates this complex issue, it's clear that the impact of rice tariffs won't be as straightforward as a 15% duty rate. Consumers, farmers, and importers will need to adapt to changing circumstances and find ways to thrive in an environment where prices and production costs are constantly shifting.

In our next post, we'll explore how relationship coaches can apply the principles of vamoose (embracing change) to their practices, empowering clients to navigate uncertainty and adapt to new circumstances. Stay tuned for valuable insights on this topic!

Revisions

Improved tone The language is more professional and polished.
Grammar and punctuation Minor corrections were made to ensure correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
Readability Shorter sentences and a clearer structure make the text easier to follow.
Format The headings (The Future of Rice Tariffs, A Shift in Duty Rates, etc.) are used consistently throughout the post to create a clear hierarchy of information.
* Content The text is reorganized to better flow and logically connect ideas.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.