Panama rejected 1.8 million tons of rice imports amid adequate supplies

Panama's rice producers have rejected an importation of 1.8 million tons of the grain, citing sufficient domestic supplies to meet demand until October 9th. According to Omar Spiegel, the leader of the rice producers, the current stockpile is above average and there is no need for additional imports as the new harvest is set to arrive in July. This conclusion is based on official inventory data managed by the producers.

Rice consumption remains high in panama

Panama has one of the highest per capita rice consumption rates in the region, with each person consuming an average of 73.48 kilograms (162 pounds) per year. This high demand has led to a sensitive market that is heavily influenced by factors such as production, trade, and government policies, directly impacting the domestic supply and pricing for farmers.

In 2025, despite being a typical year for national production, the rice market in Panama faced various distortions due to unsynchronized import decisions along the agri-food chain. The rejection of this large-scale importation is seen as a necessary step to avoid similar market disruptions in the future.

Rice is the primary staple food in Panama's basic food basket and plays a crucial role in food security and the country's agricultural economy. The Federation of Associations of Rice Producers of Panama, led by President Arnulfo Morales, emphasized that historically, the country has always been self-sufficient in rice production and imports only when necessary, ensuring a steady supply for all Panamanians.