Extension of Rice Protectionism in Costa Rica

The extension of the deadline for the implementation of the decree that eliminates the rice price fixing mechanism, represents a transfer of $75 million from the pockets of consumers towards the rice sector.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

For years other countries have criticized the pricing of rice in Costa Rica considering it a subsidy and violation of defined limits.

" ... The maximum allowance agreed for the sector is $15.94 million per year but for 2013 it has been estimated at $75 million. Violation of the agreement is grounds for a complaint, which could attract sanctions against Costa Rican exports from some partners."

The first extension was agreed on December 20th and the second on January 11th. This gives a timeframe of one year before implementing the measure."

On the other hand, the MEIC reported that the National Rice Corporation (Conarroz), has not yet provided the information to study the possibility of applying a safeguard on imports of rice. Antillon explained that because of this situation they have not been able to start the study.

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More on this topic

Costa Rica: Safeguarding Rice Imports

January 2014

A request by the National Rice Corporation for a protectionist trade measure is being analyzed by the government.

The Costa Rican government is discussing the possible application of a safeguard measure on imports of rice from Argentina and Uruguay. The measure was requested by the National Rice Corporation (Conarroz).

Costa Rica Will Not Fix Price of Rice

July 2013

The Government is standing firm in its position to eliminate state fixing of the price of rice and aims to organize the cooperative sector.

According to Mayi Antillon, chief of Economy, Industry and Trade from March 2014 the price of rice will be unfixed in order to benefit small farmers and reduce the price for consumers.

Changes to Rice Price System in Costa Rica

April 2013

The National Rice Corporation and the Government have agreed to move towards an alternative to the price fixing scheme.

"It was also decided to establish a process of transition to manage the market and increase productivity in the sector, which should be ready this week," reported Elfinancierocr.com.

Excess Rice in Costa Rica

October 2011

A decree fixing prices has distorted normal market functioning, and caused overproduction of 19,000 tonnes.

The productive sector, together with representatives from the government agreed that the excess production will be acquired by various distributors.

Leticia Vindas writes on the website of El Financiero "...

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