Addressing Shortages and Boosting Exports
The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has unveiled a plan to export 350,000 tons of rice in 2030, a significant increase from the 45,000 tons exported in 2024. This initiative aims to address future rice shortages in Japan and position rice exports as an "adjustment valve" to stabilize domestic supply.
The plan stems from a steady reduction in rice acreage, which has led to an over-curbing of production and the current rice shortage. To mitigate this, the government will encourage the production of rice specifically for export, creating a buffer stock that can be redirected to the domestic market during shortages.
While domestic demand for rice has been declining due to dietary shifts and population shrinkage, excess production capacity remains. To address this, the government has been providing subsidies for farmers to grow rice for animal feed, exports, and other non-staple food uses. In the 2024 rice harvest, rice paddies capable of producing 1.2 million tons of rice were allocated to non-staple food uses.
To ensure the success of rice exports, the ministry will support Japanese food and food service companies in expanding their businesses overseas. Additionally, efforts will be made to reduce production costs by expanding farmland, promoting "smart" agriculture technologies, and improving rice varieties to increase yield per area.
Despite Japan's plans to increase rice exports, the United States has criticized Japan's high tariffs on rice imports. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has called for fair and balanced trade practices, and President Trump has threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs on Japanese goods. If implemented, these tariffs could have a significant impact on Japanese industries.