Philippines to increase corn imports amid crop decline risks

The Philippines may significantly increase corn imports amid expectations of lower domestic production. Local farmers are facing rising fertilizer and fuel costs, while the potential return of the El Niño weather pattern could lead to water shortages and reduce crop yields.

Romualdo Elvira Jr., president of the Philippine Maize Federation (PhilMaize), said that higher production costs and an expected dry spell could weigh on this season’s harvest, although the extent of potential losses remains uncertain.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 559 thsd ha of corn had been planted as of May 1, out of the planned 772 thsd ha. The country’s main production season runs from October to February, meaning final output will largely depend on weather conditions in the coming months.

Against the backdrop of potential supply shortages, the Philippine Department of Agriculture has proposed increasing the minimum access volume (MAV) for corn imports to 500 thsd tons, more than double the current quota of 216.94 thsd tons. Imports within the quota are subject to a 5% tariff, while shipments above the quota face a 15% duty.

Additional pressure on the market comes from volatile energy prices and higher fertilizer costs, exacerbated by tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, USDA FAS Manila has lowered its 2026/27 corn production forecast for the Philippines to around 8.1 mln tons.

Tags: crop forecast, corn, Philippines, imports