The Philippines' rice imports are projected to decline this year, yet Vietnam continues to dominate as the country’s primary supplier during the early months of 2025.

This information was shared by the Federation of Free Farmers of the Philippines (FFF) on March 25, according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

According to FFF National Manager Raul Montemayor, the Philippines imported 504,727 tons of rice from January 1 to February 27—a significant 34.5% drop compared to the same period last year. These figures are based on data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). The current volume of rice imports accounts for approximately 12% of the FFF’s projected total imports for 2025.

Vietnam continues to lead as the Philippines' top rice supplier, holding a commanding 73.5% share of the market. Pakistan has emerged as the second-largest supplier with 12%, overtaking Thailand, which now holds a 10% share. Other notable rice exporters to the Philippines during this period include Myanmar, India, and South Korea.

The year 2024 marked a milestone in trade between Vietnam and the Philippines, with bilateral import and export turnover exceeding the $8 billion mark for the first time. A major contributor to this achievement was Vietnam's rice exports, which reached an impressive turnover of over $2.6 billion.