Japan Releases 200,000 Tons Emergency Rice to Curb Prices Amid Taiwan Export Surge

Japan is taking significant measures to address soaring rice prices, which have doubled over the past year, by releasing an additional 200,000 metric tons of rice from its emergency stockpile for sale to retailers, aiming to stabilize prices before the new harvest in August. Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has proposed legislation to ban the resale of government stockpiled rice at high prices, with penalties including imprisonment or fines, to ensure the rice reaches consumers affordably. This price surge in Japan has also benefited Taiwan, whose rice exports to Japan have increased more than sixfold in the first five months of 2025 compared to the previous year, with shipments expected to exceed 10,000 tons by year-end. Meanwhile, Canada, one of the world's largest rice importers with a significant Asian population, presents a growing market opportunity for Vietnamese rice exporters, who are expanding their presence aided by trade agreements and rising brand recognition, particularly of varieties like ST25. Vietnamese exporters are actively participating in trade fairs to boost exports and tap into Canada's demand, aiming to increase their market share beyond the current 2%. These developments highlight ongoing efforts in Asia and North America to stabilize rice supply and capitalize on emerging market opportunities amid fluctuating global prices.