Japan is facing a rice shortage, which could cause prices to go up, leaving shelves empty.
Japan’s supplies are tight due to the government’s policy of paying farmers to grow less rice, combined with panic buying and a bad harvest last year.
Japan has released emergency reserves, but they are not hitting stores fast enough. The Ag Minister even resigned after making a comment about rice availability.
Some retailers are now turning to imports to fill the gap. Analysts say that as farmers age, Japan will need a long-term plan to fix its rice problem.
Related Stories
China is not one of our top suppliers of cooking oil, according to USDA ERS data, but does export a lot of used cooking oil to the U.S. for biofuel production.
Expect choppier basis and wider bids — hedge earlier, keep logistics flexible, and watch Argentina and India headlines for near-term opportunities.
New U.S. fees on Chinese-owned and built ships took effect overnight, marking the latest escalation in maritime trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
President Trump is expected to press Argentina to take a tougher stance on China in exchange for political and economic support.
President Trump has long supported a direct line from Alberta’s oil fields to the Midwest.
Escalating U.S.–China tensions threaten soybean demand as farm finances are stretched further.