Philippines says to import rice in January

MANILA: The Philippines' state grains procurement agency, National Food Authority (NFA), said it expects to sign new rice import deals in January to ensure adequate domestic supply of the grain amid worries of drier weather in the first quarter.

"It will be finalised within the year and contracted in January," NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay told reporters on Monday, when asked about the country's rice import plans.

Dalisay said the NFA was yet to decide the final import volume.

Last week, Communications Secretary Coloma said the government was looking to import an additional volume of between 300,000 and 400,000 tonnes for delivery in the second quarter.