21.   The state monopoly on the importation of foreign rice would be scrapped allowing private traders to bring in supplies for the first time in three decades.

22.   They argue that losing the price advantage can be fatal to imports, because many Japanese consumers do not think foreign rice tastes as good as the Japanese brands.

23.   Traders say the real reason for the ban was that Vietnam, eager to expand its global sales network, had overcommitted itself to foreign rice buyers.

24.   Under the World Trade Organization treaty, it began opening its market to foreign rice beginning last year.

25.   Agency officials indicated their intention to continue selling foreign rice for foodstuff while closely watching demand trends, the news agency said.

26.   But many Japanese consumers have balked at buying foreign rice.

27.   But the Japanese turned up their noses at foreign rice, many choosing to pay high prices for domestic rice rather than eat imported grain.

28.   Foreign rice is cheaper than domestic grain.

29.   The prospect of competing with cheaper foreign rice is already prompting South Korean farmers to shift to other crops.

30.   Many Japanese consumers refuse to eat foreign rice, preferring to pay high prices for local rice.