Japan’s agricultural, fisheries, and forestry exports reached a record high in 2024, increasing by 3.7% from the previous year to 1.5 trillion yen. This marks the twelfth consecutive year of growth in the sector, driven by increasing global demand for Japanese food and beverages. The Japanese government aims to further expand exports, setting a target of 2 trillion yen by 2025 to support the economy amid a declining population.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries released these figures, highlighting that despite some setbacks, Japan’s farm exports continued to perform well. Farm minister Taku Eto acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism, stating that Japan could meet its 2025 goal if production aligns with market demands in different countries.
Declining Exports to China
While overall exports grew, trade with China experienced a sharp decline for the second consecutive year. Exports to China dropped by 29.1% to 168.1 billion yen in 2024. This decline was primarily due to China’s ban on Japanese seafood imports following the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
Seafood exports were particularly affected, with fishery product shipments to China falling by 89.9% to just 6.1 billion yen. Scallops and sea cucumbers, which had previously contributed significantly to Japanese seafood exports, saw a significant drop due to the ban. The decrease in exports also extended beyond seafood, as Japanese whisky sales declined amid economic challenges in China.
Strong Demand from the United States
Despite difficulties in the Chinese market, Japan’s exports to the United States showed strong growth. The United States became Japan’s top export destination in 2024, overtaking China. Shipments to the U.S. rose by 17.8% to 242.9 billion yen, accounting for nearly 20% of Japan’s total agricultural exports.
Several Japanese products gained popularity in the United States, contributing to this growth. Japanese beef and sake became increasingly sought after, reflecting a growing appreciation for Japanese cuisine among American consumers. Additionally, scallop exports to the U.S. increased as Japanese seafood producers redirected shipments originally intended for China.
Surging Popularity of Rice and Green Tea
Among all exported products, rice showed the fastest growth rate in 2024. Rice exports increased by 27.8% to 12 billion yen. This surge was largely due to the rising consumption of Japanese rice in restaurants across the United States and Hong Kong. Japanese cuisine has been gaining popularity worldwide, leading to a higher demand for authentic ingredients.
Green tea exports also witnessed remarkable growth. Total exports of Japanese green tea rose by 24.6% to 36.3 billion yen, driven by the increasing popularity of matcha in international markets, particularly in Europe. Matcha-based drinks and desserts have become trendy in many countries, contributing to the surge in demand.
Japan’s Efforts to Expand Global Market Reach
The Japanese government remains committed to increasing farm exports despite external challenges. The 2 trillion yen export goal for 2025 is seen as ambitious but achievable. To reach this target, Japan is focusing on expanding into new markets and diversifying its export destinations.
While China’s import restrictions have posed difficulties, Japan has been successful in strengthening trade relationships with other countries. The United States, Hong Kong, and Taiwan have emerged as key markets for Japanese agricultural and seafood products. The government is also exploring opportunities in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East to further expand its export base.
Japan’s food industry has also adapted to changing market conditions by promoting high-quality and unique products. The growing global appreciation for Japanese cuisine has played a significant role in sustaining export growth. Products such as sushi, wagyu beef, sake, and matcha continue to attract international consumers, boosting Japan’s agricultural sector.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Despite the positive growth in exports, Japan faces several challenges that may impact future expansion. Trade restrictions, economic fluctuations, and global geopolitical factors can influence the demand for Japanese products. Additionally, the ongoing effects of China’s seafood import ban may continue to affect Japan’s fisheries sector.
However, Japan’s commitment to maintaining high food quality standards and promoting its culinary heritage provides a strong foundation for continued export growth. By adapting to market trends and strengthening trade partnerships, Japan remains well-positioned to achieve its long-term export goals.
