Finance Minister Diokno advised President Marcos to import additional basic foods such as rice, corn, sugar and pork in 2023 to combat food shortages and rising prices. The minister estimated that this year’s rice shortage will be 1.8 million tons, and that a total of 3 million tons of imports will be necessary to secure enough stocks for 30 days. The Philippines imported 3.8 million tons of rice last year. There will also be a shortfall of 2.8 million tons of corn and 75,546 tons of sugar by the end of August. There will also be shortages of 457,500 tons of pork and 648,300 tons of fresh fish, according to the USDA. (8th, Business World)
