Total rice imports so far this year are valued at about $760 million, suggesting and average import price of around $980 per ton. In 2011-12 (March 20 to March 19), Iran’s rice imports stood at about 1.5 million tons, and valued at over $1.5 billion, suggesting an average of around $1,000 per ton of rice last year.

India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan are the main suppliers of rice to Iran, with Uruguay also beginning rice exports to Iran this year.

However, Iran's rice imports may drop in the coming months, as the country’s paddy rice production in 2012-13 is expected to grow to 2.4 million tons, compared to the estimated 2.8 million tons (unmilled rice) consumption.

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