11.   However, imported rice is very important for the domestic market.

12.   It added that the venture is expected to enhance the financial position of the Bernas group in the future as well as diversify its sources of imported rice.

13.   Nakagawa, however, insisted that the decision to limit rice imports reflects the demands of consumers, who tend to buy Japanese rice over imported rice.

14.   Now, just as the government appears to have stabilized rice prices by flooding the country with imported rice, other commodities have become scarce.

15.   Officials expected prices to ease as imported rice is released to the market.

16.   Racho said the imported rice was coming from Thailand, Vietnam, India, Pakistan and Burma.

17.   Some merchants have said people would only buy imported rice as a last resort due to its low quality.

18.   South Korean farmers accused the Untied States of threatening their livelihood by forcing the country to open its markets further to cheap imported rice.

19.   Tack on the tax, though, and the price of imported rice would be higher.

20.   The country has imported rice from Thailand to anticipate a possible drop in rice production this year.