The government is preparing to hold talks with China on the emergency import restrictions imposed on three agricultural products, a senior trade ministry official said Thursday.

"Dialogue with China is extremely important," said Katsusada Hirose, vice minister for economy, trade and industry, at a news conference.

In April, Japan slapped safeguard restrictions on stone leeks, shiitake mushrooms and tatami rushes that mostly originate from China.

Under the curb, effective for 200 days from April 23, higher tariffs will be imposed if imports exceed quotas allocated to importers.

Asked about expected price rises for tatami rushes, with a higher tariff already being applied to some importers, Hirose said, "Detailed information is still unavailable."

At a separate news conference, Hideaki Kumazawa, vice minister for agriculture, forestry and fisheries, said the import curb has helped prices of stone leeks recover.