Philippines National Food Authority, a state-owned grains trading firm has announced its plan to buy up to 450,000 MT of rice in a tender on December 21.

According to NFA officials, rice imports are intended to ensure sufficient supply during the traditional lean production months of July to September as the firm seeks 25% broken grade rice, and possible sources include Thailand, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, China, Australia, and the United States.

Philippines rice imports so far this year have reached 1.87 million MT, most of them coming from neighboring Vietnam.