Japan's Rice Price Outlook Index Plummets in June

   Tokyo, July 4 (Jiji Press)--A diffusion index that shows the outlook for rice prices in Japan plummeted after inexpensive rice released from the government's stockpile under discretionary contracts became available for consumers, a group that includes agricultural cooperatives said Friday.
   The index dropped 24 points from the previous month to 35 in June, its largest fall since the group's monthly survey began in March 2012.
   The index is based on a survey of 180 respondents, including rice producers, collectors, wholesalers and retailers, who are asked about their outlooks for rice prices over the next three months. For the June survey, valid responses totaled 139.
   When the index reads 50, rice prices are expected to be at the "same level" as current levels, while when it comes closer to zero, views are stronger that rice prices "will be lower."
   It was the first time for the index to go under 50 since April 2022 when it was at 47.

(2025/07/04-19:01)