Mongolian custom officials at the Zamyn-Ude border crossing decided to re-export 60 tonnes of rice to China. According to the officials, the rice was covered with mould upon inspection. The incident occurred on 4 June.

The country currently imports approximately 70,000 tons of white rice annually. Recent years have seen some fluctuations. Concerns about quality are now very much on the table.

Mongolian farmers and agricultural experts have made several attempts to cultivate white rice domestically over the last 10 to 15 years. In partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, they hope to reduce rice imports and boost domestic production.