Delegation Visits USA Rice Ahead of Japanese Tender Season

ARLINGTON, VA -- Representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) visited USA Rice yesterday to discuss a range of topics regarding rice trade between the United States and Japan.  MAFF representatives reviewed the 2017 tender results (April 2017 – March 2018), noting a 47.8 percent market share for U.S. rice.

The 2018 tender season is underway, with the first Minimum Access (MA) tender held on July 6.  Japan expects to hold approximately 13 to 15 MA tenders in Japan Fiscal Year 2018.  Additionally, MAFF expects to hold four SBS tenders totaling 100,000 MT in JFY 2018, beginning in September.

USA Rice COO Bob Cummings discussed prospects for the 2018 U.S. rice crop, noting increased area and production estimates for medium grain rice.    

The parties also discussed the upcoming U.S. – Japan rice technical meeting to be held this year in Sacramento in August.

“This annual meeting allows for greater understanding of technical issues in rice trade between Japan and the United States and is a long-standing part of U.S. – Japan rice relations,” concluded Cummings.