Chestnuts market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, Japan's chestnut market volume consistently contracted from 22 120 t to 19 229 t. This decline was accompanied by a reduction in both domestic production and imports. During this period, the market adapted through innovations in packaging and processing technology, which extended shelf life and improved product accessibility, as well as the adoption of mechanized harvest-assist devices to advance production techniques.

Despite the overall volume decrease, consumer demand shifted towards chestnut-based sweets and processed products. This trend encouraged processors to utilize even small-sized nuts for paste production, improving efficiency. Growing health consciousness also elevated the perception of chestnuts as a functional food, supporting consumption within a shrinking market framework.

In more recent years, active promotional efforts emerged, such as the 'Tambaguri Fair' event in Tamba City and initiatives in Ibaraki Prefecture to strengthen the brand through hometown tax return programs. These activities focused on stimulating consumption and supporting local producers through direct marketing and quality improvement projects.

Production chestnuts in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan ranked 9th globally in chestnut production.

Top producers of chestnuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of chestnuts, 2018-2021

In 2021, Japan produced 15 700 tonnes of chestnuts, a 7.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 4.8%, averaging an annual decline of 1.6%. The lowest production was recorded in 2019 at 15 700 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 16 900 tonnes. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 7.6%.

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

Exports chestnuts from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, chestnut exports from Japan rebounded in 2021. Export volume reached 732 tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 37.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 533 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 29.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China was the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Japan's chestnut exports, accounting for 99.9% of the total volume.

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 showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Chestnut export values from Japan reached their peak in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2021, chestnut deliveries from Japan amounted to 3 489 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp uptick of 94.3% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 796 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 48.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, 99.8% of Japan's total chestnut export value was directed to China, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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

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

Imports chestnuts to Japan

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, chestnut imports to Japan increased in 2021. Import volume stood at 5 128 tonnes, showing a solid gain of 20.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 20.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.5%. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 261 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 25.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China and South Korea formed the core of chestnut imports to Japan, together accounting for 99.9% 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

Following a two-year decrease, chestnut imports to Japan from abroad rose in 2021. Import value amounted to 31 226 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt gain of 39.9% year-on-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 22 319 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2020, dropping by 26.6%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, South Korea and China remained the principal suppliers of chestnuts to Japan, together taking 99.8% of total import value.

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

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