Bolivia to import 60,000 tons of rice to ensure supply

(By Planeta Arroz) Bolivia will import 60 thousand tons (t) of rice with a 0% tariff, so the expectation is that this volume will reach the national market in “a few weeks”, reported the manager of the Food Production Support Company (Emapa), Franklin Flores. “The 60 thousand tons are imported by Insumos Bolivia, which is conducting a general survey of which countries have a sufficient quantity of this rice, which should arrive in a few weeks”, he stated. In view of the effects of the drought on production, reverse smuggling and speculation, the Executive approved a new supreme decree that defers the import tariff on rice to 0% for three months (December, January and February) and thus intends to acquire around 60 thousand tons from third countries for domestic consumption. According to the Vice Minister of Commerce and Internal Logistics, Grover Lacoa, the Government has received offers to import rice at a “much cheaper price” from countries in Central America and Asia. Importing ...