Iran imported close to 600,000 tons of rice during the 10 months to January 20, an official with Iran Rice Association said. The figure is expected to reach between 800,000 and 1 million tons by the end of the current Iranian year (March 19, 2016), Masih Keshavarz was quoted as saying by ISNA.

As part of a recent order issued by Agriculture Minister Mahmoud Hojjati, Iran’s customs officials were allowed to register new import orders for three months starting December 3, after a one-year ban on imports was lifted. The ban had been put in place to protect domestic rice growers during the production season. The ministry says new imports will be subject to a 40% tariff and 5,000 rials charged on each kilogram of rice.

By Financial Tribune