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Rice Stocks Replenish as Prices Drop Below 4,000 Yen in Japan

Government stockpile releases bolstered by overseas rice imports have driven the supply rebound

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Overview

  • Average price of a five-kilogram bag fell to 3,920 yen in the week ending June 15, marking the first drop below 4,000 yen since early March.
  • Emergency releases of older government reserves have helped replenish supermarket shelves.
  • Imports include California-sourced rice sold by Aeon, followed by a 200-ton South Korean shipment that represents the largest private rice export to Japan.
  • Recovery remains uneven, with smaller stores in Tokyo reporting persistent shortages and no stock of reasonably priced rice, per the National Supermarket Association.
  • Authorities implemented a ban on reselling rice bought at retail stores on June 23 to prevent hoarding, with violators facing prison terms or fines.