The first batch of rice imported from Uruguay arrived in Ecuador, bringing 400 tons of grain. Over the next 8-10 weeks, a total of 15,000 tons is expected to be imported to balance the market supply and lower the price of rice. The import is part of a contingency plan in case of grain shortages caused by the El Niño climate phenomenon, and the president of Corpcom assures that it does not aim to reduce local production or affect prices.