Currants and gooseberries market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh currants and gooseberries in Japan showed considerable fluctuation between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 25.7 thousand kg in 2018, it declined to 20.4 thousand kg in 2019 and further to 17.4 thousand kg in 2020. A slight stabilization followed in 2021 at 17.7 thousand kg, before a recovery to 20.7 thousand kg in 2022. The market volume then contracted again to 17.5 thousand kg in 2023.

Domestic production levels remained relatively stable throughout this period, ranging between 8.6 and 9.0 thousand kg annually. The overall market movements were largely driven by significant swings in import volumes, which fell sharply from 16.7 thousand kg in 2018 to 8.4 thousand kg in 2020, then rebounded to nearly 12 thousand kg in 2022 before decreasing again.

By 2025, several key trends were evident in the market landscape. Growing Japanese consumer health consciousness increased demand for berries high in antioxidants and nutrients, particularly organic varieties. Concurrently, adjustments to trade policy, including tariff changes on fresh cherries, introduced structural pressure on supply chains. The expansion of functional food brands also strengthened demand for the 'other berries' category, which includes gooseberries, while innovation in flavor profiles and sustainable packaging solutions further influenced market dynamics.

Production currants and gooseberries in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

Top producers of currants and gooseberries, 2018-2021

World map of production of currants and gooseberries, 2018-2021

In Japan, currant and gooseberry production reached 8 860 kg in 2021, marking a slight decline of 1.1% from the previous year. Production hit its lowest point in 2019 at 8 620 kg. That same year saw the largest annual decrease at 4.2%, while 2020 experienced the biggest increase of 3.9%.

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

Exports currants and gooseberries from Japan

Market analysis indicates that Japan did not export any currants or gooseberries between 2018 and 2021.

Imports currants and gooseberries to Japan

Imports in kind, kg

Following two years of decline, Japan's imports of currants and gooseberries from abroad began to recover. In 2021, imports totaled 8 877 kg, showing a modest year-over-year increase of 5.1%. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 47%, which translates to an average annual decline of 19.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 8 448 kg, while the sharpest yearly drop occurred in 2019 at 29.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 through 2021, Chile, Canada, and the United States were the primary sources for Japan's currant and gooseberry imports by volume. Chile accounted for 42.6% of imports, Canada for 35.2%, and the United States for 22.2%, together making up 100.0% 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

Japan's imports of currants and gooseberries in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 153.7 thousand US dollars, reflecting a minor decrease of 2.3% compared to 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports dropped by 51.4%, averaging an annual decline of 21.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Chile and Canada were the dominant players in Japan's currant and gooseberry imports by value, jointly accounting for 81.0% of total imports. Other countries contributed smaller individual shares during this time.

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

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