日本投放免税进口大米平抑米价

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government has begun early tax-free imports of rice to stabilize high prices, but media reports suggest this may not be effective [1][2]. Group 1: Government Actions - The Japanese government started delivering zero-tariff imported rice to wholesalers about three months earlier than usual, beginning last week [1]. - Under WTO rules, Japan imports 770,000 tons of rice annually at zero tariffs, with 100,000 tons designated for human consumption and the rest for animal feed and processing [2]. - The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced that the bidding for tax-free rice imports began in June, with approximately 60,000 tons delivered so far [2]. Group 2: Market Conditions - Private companies imported 26,000 tons of rice in July, a 200-fold increase compared to the same period last year, with import taxes exceeding $2 per kilogram [2]. - Despite increased imports, domestic rice prices have risen, leading to expectations of further price increases overall [2]. - As of September 1-7, the average price of rice in about 1,000 supermarkets was 4,155 yen (approximately 200.2 RMB) for 5 kilograms, marking a 264 yen increase from the previous week, the largest increase since March 2022 [2]. Group 3: Price Influences - Japanese rice prices have been rising since summer 2024 due to extreme heat affecting harvests [2]. - A warning about a potential earthquake in the eastern Pacific last year led to a rice hoarding trend among the public, resulting in a temporary "rice shortage" [2]. - Although the "rice shortage" eased after the new rice was released last year, prices have remained high due to reduced government reserve rice supplies [2].