On September 2, 2026, Madagascar submitted to the WTO Safeguards Committee a notification regarding the opening of a safeguard investigation concerning imports of milled rice, including brown rice, semi-milled rice, polished rice, and broken rice. The investigation was officially initiated on August 31, 2026, and will analyze whether these imports are causing damage to the local rice industry.
The measure comes in a context of growing concern about the agricultural sector in Madagascar, which faces significant challenges due to external competition and fluctuations in global food prices. The government justified the initiative as a way to protect local farmers and ensure the sustainability of agricultural production in the country.
Rice producer organizations celebrated the decision, hoping that the investigation will bring favorable results for the sector. On the other hand, importer representatives and other stakeholders have already expressed concerns about possible impacts on consumer prices and rice availability in the domestic market.
The process will follow WTO guidelines, with the possibility for interested parties to submit evidence. The conclusions and any potential measures, such as the imposition of tariffs or temporary quotas, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
