Japan Implements Ban on Rice Resale Amid Price Surge
The government aims to control escalating rice prices with strict penalties for resellers.
The Japanese government has announced a ban on the resale of rice purchased from retail outlets, effective June 23, 2025. This decision follows a significant increase in rice prices, which have doubled over the past year.
The government has released 910,000 tons of rice from its reserves to alleviate market pressures, leaving only 100,000 tons remaining.
The ban aims to ensure that the rice sold from government reserves reaches consumers without being marked up by resellers.
Under the new regulation, individuals reselling rice at prices higher than the original retail cost could face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to one year and fines of up to one million yen (approximately $6,960).
In certain cases, both penalties could apply.
This measure was introduced after the government initiated a rare direct sale of rice from its reserves to retailers in late May, with the objective of curbing rising prices of this essential commodity.
Minister of Agriculture Shinjirou Koizumi has expressed concerns about the potential risk of resellers taking advantage of the lower prices associated with the released rice reserves.
The drastic rise in rice prices in Japan has prompted this proactive governmental response, aiming to stabilize the market during a time of economic pressure and food security concerns.
The decision to release rice from reserves underscores the government's commitment to ensuring food availability and affordability for the public.
The government has released 910,000 tons of rice from its reserves to alleviate market pressures, leaving only 100,000 tons remaining.
The ban aims to ensure that the rice sold from government reserves reaches consumers without being marked up by resellers.
Under the new regulation, individuals reselling rice at prices higher than the original retail cost could face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to one year and fines of up to one million yen (approximately $6,960).
In certain cases, both penalties could apply.
This measure was introduced after the government initiated a rare direct sale of rice from its reserves to retailers in late May, with the objective of curbing rising prices of this essential commodity.
Minister of Agriculture Shinjirou Koizumi has expressed concerns about the potential risk of resellers taking advantage of the lower prices associated with the released rice reserves.
The drastic rise in rice prices in Japan has prompted this proactive governmental response, aiming to stabilize the market during a time of economic pressure and food security concerns.
The decision to release rice from reserves underscores the government's commitment to ensuring food availability and affordability for the public.
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