Rice Imports Exceed 700K Tons in 9 Months

A total of 709,000 tons of rice were imported during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (March 21-Dec. 21), which shows order placements and imports are being carried out slower than usual, according to the secretary of Rice Importers Union.
“This year, some 500,000 tons of the imports came before the seasonal annual ban was implemented and the remaining 209,000 tons came after it was lifted on Nov. 8,” Masih Keshavarz also told IRNA on Monday.
Every year and during the rice harvest season, the government bans rice imports in support of local farmers and domestic production. The ban usually begins in August and lasts until November.