bkpolymers1617 wrote:
The agricultural market throughout the world is struggling with a significant reduction in the production of rice, and it is feared that demand will far outstrip supply in the coming months. However, Belvania’s export shipments of rice have increased from a total of $21.2 million last quarter to $27.6 million in this quarter. Clearly, Belvania’s production of rice has increased.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument above?
A) Some countries may be able to increase their production of rice by using innovative methods.
B) Local demand for rice in Belvania has decreased by at least 15 percent during this quarter.
C) Because of the shortage of rice, the cost of production of rice-products has also increased.
D) Increase in the demand for rice has not resulted in an increase in its selling price.
E) Belvania is the world’s largest exporter of rice.
My logic:
If Belvania's export shipments of rice have increased and we want to say that Belvania's production of rice has increased, we must make sure that the exports haven't increased because of less local demand in Belvania!
If during the last quarter Belvania produced the same as before, but the local demand decreased, then Belvania could export more (because it has more left overs) but that doesn't mean that the production has increased!
Option "(D) Increase in the demand for rice has not resulted in an increase in its selling price" It's telling us exactly the opposite. Belvania's local demand has increased AND from the passage we know that the exports have increased too --> Then, the production must have increased
Please correct me if i'm wrong