RICE STOCK

• The country’s December 1, 2004 total rice stock stood at 2.40 million metric tons, up 6.0 percent over its month ago level. Compared to previous year’s level it dropped by 7.9 percent following the 46.8 and 4.5 percent decline in NFA and commercial warehouses holdings, respectively. The current stock level is enough to last for 86 days.
• Stocks in the household and commercial sectors increased over their month ago levels by 8.0 percent each, while NFA holdings dropped by 5.4 percent. At the time of reporting NFA stocks was made of 75.0 percent imported rice which was 63.0 percent lower compared to last year.
• The household sector accounts for 65.0 percent of the current total rice stocks. Around 14.0 percent are with NFA and 21.0 percent, with the traders.

CORN STOCK

• The total corn stock as of December 1, 2004 was estimated at 253.5 thousand metric tons. It was lower by 6.0 percent from its month ago level, but 14.5 percent higher than that of last year’s record.
• Stock holdings of households went down by 18.3 and 4.3 percent over its month and year ago records. On the other hand, stocks in the commercial sector went up by 6.7 and 35.4 percent, respectively for the same reference periods.
• NFA reported no corn stock for the period.