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Despite various policy shifts in the Philippines aimed at adjusting rice import regulations and stabilizing market prices, Vietnamese rice continues to dominate the Philippine market. In the first five months of the year, Vietnam remained the top rice supplier to the Philippines, accounting for over 72% of the total rice imports into the country. This dominant position is maintained through the popularity of Vietnamese rice varieties like DT8 and 5451, which are favored for their softness and affordability.
Vietnamese rice’s strong position is further reinforced by trade advantages under bilateral and multilateral agreements such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). These agreements provide benefits not available to non-ASEAN rice exporters, giving Vietnam a significant competitive edge.
The Philippine government’s attempts to intervene in the rice market through the National Food Authority (NFA) focus primarily on lower-quality rice, which does not directly compete with the premium segments that Vietnamese rice caters to. Therefore, changes in policy have not significantly disrupted the premium rice market where Vietnamese rice holds sway.
For further detailed information, you can explore more through The Star and VIETNAMPLUS, which provide comprehensive coverage on the dynamics of the rice trade between Vietnam and the Philippines. Here are the links for more detailed readings: The Star and VIETNAMPLUS.
