TOKYO, JAPAN – Yesterday, U.S. rice exporters met with Japanese importers here for the 28th U.S.-Japan Rice Technical Meeting, an annual opportunity for networking and relationship building with some of the industry’s most important customers.
“As tradition, we were happy to share with our Japanese counterparts the latest projections for the California and U.S. rice crops, and overall supply and demand,” said Michael Rue, California rice farmer and chair of both the U.S. delegation and the USA Rice Asia Trade Policy Subcommittee.
Discussions included supply and demand trends in both markets and measures of quality control. With a good outlook for the 2025 crop, expected milling yields could further support 2025-26 rice exports to Japan.
Following the meeting, Japanese importers hosted the California industry at an evening reception for fellowship.
“We anticipate having a very good supply for export in 2025 and 2026, and as always, are especially eager to support the Japanese market,” said Rue. “We look forward to once again hosting our friends in California for the 29th Annual U.S.-Japan Technical Meeting in 2026.”