Buckwheat market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

Japan's buckwheat market volume expanded from 83 019 t in 2018 to 89 366 t in 2019, driven by the development of fresh noodle shop formats that utilized kitchen equipment to increase production without relying on skilled artisans. The COVID-19 pandemic then led to a sharp contraction to 76 315 t in 2020, with volume falling further to 69 021 t in 2021. A recovery began in 2022, reaching 71 307 t, supported by the expansion of chain stores and growing takeaway and delivery needs.

Following the pandemic, underlying demand for buckwheat products was bolstered by rising health consciousness, with gluten-free and nutrient-rich buckwheat flour gaining popularity among consumers embracing plant-based diets. Supply-side factors such as increased Russian buckwheat exports to China influenced import availability, while domestic production adapted to cost pressures and competition from large chains focusing on roadside and station-based outlets.

Production buckwheat in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan ranked seventh globally in buckwheat production volume.

Top producers of buckwheat, 2018-2021

World map of production of buckwheat, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, Japan's buckwheat production declined. In 2021, Japan produced 40 900 tonnes of buckwheat, down 8.7% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 41%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 12.1%. The highest production was recorded in 2020 at 44 800 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase occurring in 2019 at 46.9%.

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

Exports buckwheat from Japan

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Japan's buckwheat exports reached 44 tonnes in 2021, marking an 83.5% drop from 2020. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 19 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 269 tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 1 289.6% from the previous year. Overall, export levels fluctuated 13.9-fold between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Japan's buckwheat exports in volume terms were China (51.9% of exports), Mongolia (19.0%), and France (14.0%). Together, these three countries accounted for 84.9% of total export 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 period. Japan exported 36 000 US dollars worth of buckwheat in 2021, a sharp decrease of 86.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 277 000 US dollars, reflecting a substantial increase of 334.9% from 2019. Overall, export values shifted 11.2-fold between the minimum in 2018 and the maximum in 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the primary destinations for Japan's buckwheat exports in value terms were Mongolia (33.1% of exports), China (30.1%), and the United States (13.4%). Collectively, these three countries represented 76.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports buckwheat to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's buckwheat imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Japan imported approximately 28 165 tonnes of buckwheat, an 11.4% decrease from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 47.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 19.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the largest sources of Japan's buckwheat imports in volume terms were China (37.2% of imports), the United States (36.0%), and Russia (19.0%). Together, these three countries comprised 92.2% of total import flows.

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 buckwheat imports in value terms increased. In 2021, Japan imported a total of 22 902 000 US dollars worth of buckwheat, remaining relatively stable compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 31.4%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 11.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 22 821 000 US dollars, with the largest year-on-year drop occurring that same year at 24.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the principal suppliers of buckwheat to Japan in value terms were the United States (45.0% of imports), China (33.5%), and Russia (14.6%). Jointly, these three countries accounted for 93.1% of total imports.

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

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