Concentrated not sweetened milk and cream market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market for concentrated unsweetened milk and cream in Japan expanded from 34 036 t to 41 742 t. This growth was initially driven by a regulatory change in August 2018 that allowed the domestic production and sale of infant liquid milk, creating a new market segment. The subsequent launch of Japan's first infant liquid milk by Ezaki Glico in March 2019 further stimulated demand. Concurrently, rising consumer health trends boosted the popularity of plant-based milks like oat and almond varieties, supporting overall dairy consumption.

The market's growth momentum slowed in 2022, with volume stabilizing at 41 826 t while its value in monetary terms fell by 12.9% to 346.2 million US dollars. By 2023, market volume declined to 37 886 t. During this period, market activity continued with innovations such as the expansion of high-value-added functional milk products and the introduction of environmentally friendly packaging for plant-based milk, but these developments were accompanied by a contraction in overall demand.

Production concentrated not sweetened milk and cream in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Globally, Japan ranked as the 16th largest producer of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of concentrated not sweetened milk and cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of concentrated not sweetened milk and cream, 2018-2021

Japan's production of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 39 752 tonnes, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 23.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Japan's production of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream increased in value for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 388.2 million US dollars, up 1.5% from the year before. Between 2018 and 2021, production value grew by 19.5%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 6.1%.

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

Exports concentrated not sweetened milk and cream from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Japan's exports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volume reached 42 tonnes, a 42.7% increase year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 141.5%, with a CAGR of 34.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Japan's exports in volume terms were heavily reliant on Hong Kong, which accounted for 94.3% of total shipments of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream.

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

Japan's exports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream in value terms grew for the third straight year. In 2021, export value amounted to 406 thousand US dollars, rising 41.4% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, export value increased by 134.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 32.8%.

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

During 2018-2021, Japan's export market in value terms was highly concentrated, with Hong Kong alone responsible for 95.4% 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 concentrated not sweetened milk and cream to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan imported 2 032 tonnes of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream in 2021, a 54.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 14.4%, with an annualized rate of 4.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 320 tonnes, which represented a 32.0% decline from the prior year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Australia and Germany were the primary sources for Japan's imports in volume terms, together accounting for 80.6% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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 two years of decline, Japan's imports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream in value terms rebounded in 2021. Imports totaled 9 796 thousand US dollars, a 53.8% increase from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value rose by 2.3%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 6 369 thousand US dollars, which saw a 32.7% drop from the previous year.

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

In 2018-2021, Japan's import structure in value terms was dominated by Australia and Germany, which together held 80.7% of total flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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