1.   There is pressure on the country to reduce its rice imports.

2.   Japan will have to do a deal with America on rice imports.

3.   His statement was widely interpreted as confirming that his government was moving toward relaxation of its ban on rice imports.

4.   Japan already defends its restrictions on rice imports as a matter of food security.

5.   Singson said emergency rice imports to end a severe shortage that boosted prices of the staple food will push prices lower.

6.   After enforcing a virtual ban on rice imports for decades, officials say that, too, is on its way out.

7.   As part of this, Indonesia has liberalized rice imports to counter surging rice prices, paving the way for the private sector to import rice.

8.   Beginning next year, Taiwan will no longer ban rice imports, and cheaper rice from California and Australia will arrive.

9.   Critics, however, said rice imports were just a short-term solution that would not ensure against future shortages.

10.   Demand for rice imports to make up for local shortages has increased in Indonesia, the Philippines and Bangladesh due to the effects of El Nino in those countries.