Japan Rice Price Outlook Index Falls in Nov.

Tokyo, Dec. 4 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s rice price outlook index fell 7 points from the previous month to 32 in November, an organization comprising the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, or Zen-Noh, and others said Thursday. The result reflects increased rice harvests and anticipated higher private-sector inventories at the end of June next year. The diffusion index for the outlook on rice prices over the next three months is based on a monthly survey of rice producers, buyers, wholesalers and retailers. The November survey received 137 valid responses. Higher readings in the index indicate wider expectations of a price increase. The latest reading was even below 35 in June, when prices were expected to drop due to the release of government-stockpiled rice. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]