Impacts of Liberalizing Trade in the World Rice Market

A multi‐product quadratic programming model is used to investigate impacts of trade liberalization on the world rice market, recognizing product differentiation and allowing substitution among various rice types and qualities. Model simulations predict a large increase in both trade volumes and prices for all rice types and a significant welfare gain for most rice exporters and importers. Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, and Brazil would be the major importers. Trade liberalization would increase total U.S. export revenue by 109%. Movement to free trade by Japan has significant effects on world rice trade and on Japanese rice production.