Key Facts
• On July 4, a survey by the Rice Stable Supply Support Organization was released.
• The price outlook index for the next three months dropped by 24 points in June.
• June’s index was 35, down from 59 in May, marking the largest drop since 2012.
• 139 responses were collected from producers, wholesalers, retailers, and food service operators.
• Government-released stockpiled rice began appearing in stores in late May.
• February saw a 23-point drop to 54 when the government announced rice auctions.
• The index indicates higher rice price expectations when closer to 100.
Summary
The Rice Stable Supply Support Organization’s June survey revealed a record drop in the rice price outlook index, falling 24 points to 35. This decline, the largest since 2012, reflects the impact of government-released stockpiled rice entering the market in late May. The survey gathered 139 responses from stakeholders, including producers, wholesalers, and retailers. The index, which measures price expectations, has been declining since February, when the government announced rice auctions. This trend highlights significant market adjustments in Japan’s rice industry.
