In mid-June, the National Food Authroity (NFA) of the Philippines has approved the import of up to 805 200 tonnes of rice (25% well-milled) by private traders. The imports will have a pegged tariff of 35 percent and are required to arrive the Philippines before end of November. The traders will have import quantity restrictions based on the country of origin; Thailand and Vietnam rice imports will be capped at 293 100 tonnes each; China, India and Pakistan rice imports at 50 000 tonnes each; imports from El Salvador will be up to 15 000 tonnes; traders could import the remainder of imports from any other countries. The total volume to be imported by private traders will be in addition to rice imports by NFA under agreements with the governments of Vietnam and Thailand. The measure is aimed at raising the country’s total rice stocks, particularly in view of uncertain prospects for the current 2015 main season rice crop, due to below-average rains associated with El Niño phenomenon.