In the first five months of 2023, the Philippines imported 1.5 million tons of rice from Vietnam, making Vietnam the largest rice supplier to the Philippines. Vietnam's rice exports to the Philippines accounted for 42.3% and reached a value of 772.4 million USD, showing a 31.1% increase compared to the same period in 2022. This increase in imports is driven by high import costs, the government's focus on domestic production, and the need to prepare for potential weather uncertainties caused by the El Nino phenomenon. Additionally, Indonesia has also increased its rice imports from Vietnam, with exports to Indonesia reaching more than $181 million, accounting for 9.5% of Vietnam's total rice exports in the first half of the year.