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Japan turns to US rice amid soaring domestic prices
- Japanese businesses and consumers are beginning to embrace foreign rice, such as American and Taiwanese blends, amid soaring domestic rice prices, which have surged about 70% over the past year.
- The willingness to shift to foreign rice may loosen restrictions in tariff talks with U.S. President Donald Trump if rice becomes a contentious issue, given Japan's high tariffs on staple grain.
- Supermarkets like Aeon and chains like Matsuya and Colowide have started offering American rice blends to meet the demand for more affordable options in the market.
- Despite historically relying on home-grown rice for most of its staple rice consumption, Japan is now considering expanding imports to stabilize supply from abroad.
- President Trump criticized Japan for high rice tariffs, but discussions on rice in bilateral tariff negotiations remain uncertain, considering the political landscape and agricultural interests in Japan.
- The finance ministry's advisory panel proposed expanding tariff-free imports of staple rice to address supply issues, but facing political pressures, big concessions on rice are unlikely before the upcoming elections in July.
- While price hikes and supply concerns persist, Japanese consumers like Miki Nihei have shown openness to imported rice, as quality remains satisfactory and cost-effective options are sought.
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