Citrus fruit market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The citrus fruit market in Japan contracted from 1.9 million tons in 2018 to 1.7 million tons in 2023, with a temporary rebound in 2020. The implementation of the revised Wholesale Market Law in 2018 deregulated the sector, promoting off-market transactions via online sales and direct farm outlets, which altered the distribution structure. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer behavior, likely increasing demand for healthy foods and contributing to a short-lived rise in market volume.

Domestic production showed a long-term declining trend, exemplified in 2019 when private breeders introduced new high-sugar, seedless varieties to meet consumer preferences. By 2022, growing global demand for citrus fiber in gluten-free products created a new processing segment, though overall fresh citrus consumption continued to fall. The market stabilized in 2023 at around 1.7 million tons.

Production citrus fruit in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Japan ranked as the world's 24th largest producer of citrus fruit.

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2018-2021

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2018-2021

In 2021, Japan produced 1 672.8 thousand tonnes of citrus fruit, representing a 2.0% decrease compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production declined by 2.6%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 668.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year decline of 2.9% occurring that same year. In contrast, the most significant increase was observed in 2020, when production rose by 2.3%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Citrus fruit production in Japan grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 9 042 million US dollars, marking a 2.2% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 521 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.2%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports citrus fruit from Japan

Exports in kind, K t

Japan's citrus fruit exports expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 1.9 thousand tonnes, showing a significant surge of 49.4% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 74.7%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 20.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Hong Kong, accounting for 40.9% of exports in volume, Asia not elsewhere specified with 30.2%, and Canada at 10.6%, emerged as the primary markets for Japan's citrus fruit exports. Together, these three destinations represented 81.7% 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, M $ US

Japan's citrus fruit exports in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 10.0 million US dollars, reflecting a 55.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 78.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, representing 42.3% of exports in value, Asia not elsewhere specified at 35.2%, and Singapore with 8.3%, were the leading markets for Japan's citrus fruit exports by value. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 85.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Japan

Imports in kind, K t

Japan's citrus fruit imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 199.6 thousand tonnes, indicating a 10.9% decrease year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 12.3%, with an average annual decline of 4.3%.

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

During the 2018-2021 period, the United States, supplying 46.3% of imports in volume, Australia with 19.6%, and South Africa at 15.5%, were the largest sources of citrus fruit for Japan. Together, these three countries made up 81.4% of total import volume.

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 citrus fruit imports in value terms decreased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 309.6 million US dollars, which is 9.4% lower than the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 span, imports dropped by 15.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 5.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Australia, and South Africa were the three main suppliers, collectively accounting for 80.0% of the total value of citrus fruit imports into Japan.

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

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