Japanese government: Only 10% of the reserved rice stock is being distributed through retail stores, while the buying and selling prices between businesses are reaching new highs.

The data released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan on May 20th shows that as of April 27th, the reserve rice circulated to retail stores and catering companies was 22,379 tons, only 10.55% of the total amount put up for bidding in two rounds in March. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan also released the "relative transaction prices" when rice dealers and wholesalers traded in April. The price of unpolished rice produced in 2024 reached 27,102 yen per 60 kilograms, hitting a new high after 1 month, with an increase of 1,226 yen compared to the previous month. Although the price fell in March due to the concentrated trading of reserve rice produced in 2024, it resumed its upward trend in April.