The Philippines' rice imports this year may reach 2 million tons, higher than an earlier forecast of 1.8 million tons but below last year's record volume of 2.3 million tons, the agriculture secretary said on Wednesday.

Arthur Yap told reporters the volume includes the government's deal with Vietnam earlier this year for 1.5 million tonnes of milled rice, with the remaining 500,000 tons set aside for private sector imports.

The world's largest rice buyer has yet to decide on an option to import more of the grain this year to boost its stockpile and stabilise prices, Yap said.