Beef, sheep or goat fat market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for beef, sheep, and goat fats in Japan declined from 94 375 t in 2018 to 77 258 t in 2023. This contraction was primarily driven by a sharp drop in imports, which began after the introduction of stricter sanitary standards and quality control regulations in 2020. These regulatory changes affected the supply chain and reduced foreign shipments into the country. Meanwhile, domestic production showed consistent growth, rising from 72 620 t to 76 633 t over the same period.

The expansion of domestic output was supported by increasing demand for tallow in biofuel production, as well as growing consumer interest in natural, bio-based ingredients for personal care and cosmetics. Japan's oil-based chemicals market also grew due to a stronger focus on sustainable raw materials. The entry and influence of major players such as Ajinomoto Co. further shaped market dynamics.

Market evolution continued with the diversification of retail sales channels for tallow and ongoing research grants aimed at advancing oil-processing technologies. These factors contributed to a more resilient domestic industry despite the overall reduction in total market volume.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan ranked 20th globally in the production of beef, sheep, or goat fat.

Top producers of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2018-2021

World map of production of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2018-2021

In 2021, Japan produced 72,973 tonnes of beef, sheep, or goat fat, showing minimal change from 2020. Production hit its lowest point in 2019 at 71,945 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 0.9% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2020 at 1.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a 45-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Japan exported 2,364 tonnes of beef, sheep, or goat fat, marking a sharp increase of 4,372.1% compared to 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, nearly all of Japan's exports of beef, sheep, or goat fat in volume terms went to Singapore, which accounted for 92.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports varied by a factor of 23, from a low in 2020 to a high in 2021. In 2021, Japan's exports of beef, sheep, or goat fat in value terms amounted to 2,252 thousand US dollars, representing a year-on-year surge of 2,246.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore was the leading destination for Japan's exports of beef, sheep, or goat fat in value terms, making up 88.5% of total flows. The remainder was distributed among several smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume stood at 7,708 tonnes, reflecting a 22.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 64.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -29.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

During 2018-2021, Canada dominated Japan's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat in volume terms, absorbing 82.7% of total flows, while a large number of minor partners accounted for the rest.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Japan's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat in value terms increased. In 2021, imports were recorded at 9,115 thousand US dollars, showing a modest 8.9% rise from a year earlier. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 43.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -17.2%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 8,373 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 44.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Canada accounted for 81.5% of Japan's total imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat in value terms, with the remaining flows spread across multiple smaller partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021