US trade commission launches probe to examine global rice trade

WASHINGTON: The US International Trade Commission ( USITC) has announced launch of an investigation into global rice trade that will report on competition factors in major rice producing and exporting countries.

These include Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Uruguay, Vietnam and the US.

The USITC, according to a media release, will examine costs of production, industry structure, input prices and availability, pricing and marketing regimes besides government policies that affect rice production and export in the selected countries.

Its investigation, at the request of authorities, will also perform a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the impact of government policies and programmes in these countries on rice production, exports, consumption, and domestic and export prices.

It would also be holding a public hearing in connection with the investigation on September 10, 2014.