MANILA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The United States will export rice to Manila, U.S. ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney said on Wednesday, amid fears of a looming food crisis in the archipelago.

    "We will always make our supplies available for export if the Philippines needs rice supplies," said the envoy, adding that the United States is ready to make available as much as the Philippines needs.

    The Philippines imported 1.87 million tons of rice last year, making it one of the largest rice importers in the world. Vietnam and Thailand are the major rice providers for the country.

    The Southeast Asian country plans to import 2.7 million tons of rice this year to alleviate the shortage, even as prices soared to near-historical levels amid tight global supplies, Philippine cable news network ABS-CBN News Channel reported.

    "Rice is an important dish in the Philippines, however, less important in the U.S. so it's great partnership for us," Kenney said.

    According to the latest figures available, the United States exported 4.6 million tons of rice in 2004 to other countries. (Xinhua)