By Ahmet Furkan Mercan and Emir Yildirim
ANKARA (AA) — Japan's private sector rice imports in May increased by more than threefold compared to total imports for the fiscal year 2024, according to preliminary data from the Finance Ministry.
Some 10,605 metric tons of rice were imported in May, the data showed, revealing that the monthly import figure of staple rice exceeded 10,000 for the first time.
Japan's private sector imported 3,004 metric tons of rice in May of last year.
The US imported the most rice in May 2024, with 7,894 metric tons.
The increase in private sector rice imports in May 2025 was driven by increased demand awareness, according to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
Customers turned to cheaper alternatives as domestic rice prices rose, according to Japanese media.
Rice production is an important part of Japan's traditional cuisine, but it has been hit by recent natural disasters and the climate crisis. The government released around 210,000 metric tons of emergency rice reserves in February for the first time to combat rising prices.
Despite this move, rice prices continued to rise. In the last week of May, the average rice price for a 5-kilogram (11-pound) packet of rice doubled from the previous year to 4,000 Japanese yen (around $28).