Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh capsicum and pimenta fruits in Japan declined from 180.9 тыс. т in 2018 to 169.3 тыс. т in 2023, despite a temporary peak in 2022. This contraction was primarily driven by a steep, continuous drop in imports, which fell from 40.6 тыс. т to 25.3 тыс. т over those years, while domestic production showed only modest overall growth.

Domestic production rose from 140.3 тыс. т to 150.0 тыс. т by 2022 before dipping to 144.0 тыс. т in 2023. The initial growth was supported by the adoption of environmentally friendly farming practices, notably the full Eco-Farmer certification achieved by all members of the JA Nameri Itashaio Peppers Production Branch in 2021, which enhanced traceability and safety standards. However, by 2022, the sector faced structural challenges including a nationwide trend of shrinking cultivation area, labor shortages, and aging greenhouse infrastructure, which curbed output.

While the major producing regions of Ibaraki, Miyazaki, and Kochi maintained their rankings, Kochi Prefecture reported a slight local expansion in planted area in 2022 through its advanced year-round production model. This local gain could not offset the broader national decline, contributing to the overall market reduction as import volumes continued their sharp descent, falling to 19.1 тыс. т by 2025.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan ranked 28th globally in the production of capsicum and pimenta fruits.

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2018-2021

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2018-2021

In 2021, Japan produced 148.5 thousand tons of capsicum and pimenta fruits, marking a 3.8% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 5.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 1.8%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 3.8%.

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

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Japan

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Japan exported 1 ton of capsicum and pimenta fruits, down 60.1% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 tons, with the largest increase that year at 318.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Japan's exports in kind were Singapore (39.6% of exports), South Korea (29.4%), and Hong Kong (27.8%), together accounting for 96.8% 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, M $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. The lowest exports were in 2018, while the highest were in 2020, reflecting a 2.2-fold gap. In 2021, foreign capsicum and pimenta fruit supplies from Japan totaled 0.0 million US dollars, marking a sudden decrease of 48.0% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 0.0 million US dollars, with the largest increase in 2019 at 110.8%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Singapore (48.6% of exports in value terms), Hong Kong (29.5%), and South Korea (12.3%) formed the key group of partners for Japan's capsicum and pimenta fruit exports in value terms, jointly representing 90.5% of total 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 capsicum and pimenta fruits to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's capsicum and pimenta fruit import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 33 705 tons, representing a 10.1% drop compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 16.9%, with an average annual decline of 6.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 43 005 tons, with the largest decline in 2020 at 12.9% and the largest increase in 2019 at 6.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea remained the main market for Japan's imports in kind, with a share of 81.2% of total flows, while the rest of the volume was fragmented across numerous other destinations.

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, M $ US

Japan's capsicum and pimenta fruit imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 115.0 million US dollars, which is 7.6% weaker than a year earlier. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 15.2%, with an average annual decline of 5.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, South Korea was the principal market for capsicum and pimenta fruits imported to Japan, accounting for 74.3% of total imports in value terms, while other destinations formed a less significant tail.

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

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