Japan's private rice imports hit record high

Private rice import? Private means non-government? Those private entity export/import companies they do that because condition that exist in Japan, shortage of domestic supply means price will increase, if price increase importing rice is becoming more profitable.

Those import already hit by more than tariffs 700% that being set by JGovt, even with those tariff still is still profitable to import rice from outside Japan.

Who pay at the end? Japanese consumers.

.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2005/06/10/business/rice-tariff-778-with-new-wto-formula/

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/25/japans-largest-rice-shortage-in-years-exacerbated-by-sushi-hungry-tourists-.html

The record figure came despite the imposition by the government of a tariff of 341 yen per kilogram on privately imported rice, implemented to protect domestic output and prices.

As far as protecting domestic output, more and more rice fields are being put to other uses or not used at all. I would guestimate that about 10% of the fields where I live (Iwate) are no longer being used.

As for protecting prices, how about protecting prices for consumers? At 341 per kilogram, that's just as high as domestic rice. No consumers being protected.

10 kg of USA-imported rice is ¥5,700. Japanese white rice in 0our local store is ¥2,000/2 kg.

I'm bringing my own rice to Japan.

Turn to bread and potatoes for a while, then they will soon give you their rice even for free or very cheap. lol

Tariffs are a Good Thing. They will Make Japan Great Again

since last autumn, general citizen in Japan facing shortage or rapidly price surging of rice. on the other hand, export of Japanese rice is record high, and rice import is also record high, It's incoherent.

wallace:

10 kg of USA-imported rice is ¥5,700.

That's after the 700% tariff is imposed?

Imported Basmati rice is cheaper than Japanese white rice.

Well, this is unfortunate for the Japanese Consumer, but it is a positive outcome for California rice farmers. After decades of financial hardship, including water shortages, these farmers are now appreciated for their high-quality and great tasting rice, which can compete with the best of Japan.

Remember white rice has very little nutritional value, much more fiber in brown rice. Good to see consumers and businesses able to import and thus save money!