In February, Brazil's rice imports reached their highest level in eight months at 141.27 thousand tons, with a 28.47% increase from January and a 4.47% increase year-over-year, according to Secex and Cepea data. The average import price in February was the lowest in two years at US$ 326.04/ton. The increase in imports and decrease in prices are putting downward pressure on domestic prices, despite low liquidity in husk negotiations. Producers are focusing on field activities and are hopeful for a exchange rate appreciation to boost international demand, while processing units are only purchasing essentials, anticipating prices to drop with the progress of the harvest.