Dried shelled beans market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The Japanese dried shelled beans market began the period with growth in 2019, as rising demand for plant-based proteins, driven by increased health consciousness and interest in sustainable diets, pushed market volume to 195 thousand tons. This upward trend was reversed in 2020 when environmental factors, including climate change and biotic stress, impacted production stability, contributing to a decline in the market to 163 thousand tons.

After a further decrease to 136 thousand tons in 2021, the market recovered significantly in 2022, reaching 163 thousand tons. This resurgence was primarily driven by a surge in consumer demand following the prominent featuring of dried adzuki beans' health benefits on an NHK television program, alongside the expanding role of e-commerce which improved product accessibility. Market volume then moderated to 144 thousand tons in 2023, a period characterized by advancements in agricultural technology and large-scale production which supported supply-side operations.

Production dried shelled beans in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2018-2021

World map of production of dried shelled beans, 2018-2021

Japan's production of dried shelled beans fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 49 400 tonnes, marking a significant year-on-year decline of 13.0%. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production dropped by 4.8%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 72 500 tonnes. That year also saw the largest increase of 39.7%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the steepest decline, with production falling by 21.7%.

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

Exports dried shelled beans from Japan

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during these years. From a low in 2018 to a peak in 2019, exports varied by a factor of 2.1. In 2021, Japan's exports of dried shelled beans totaled 0.0 thousand tonnes, which is 1.0% lower than in 2020. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 thousand tonnes. That year also saw the largest increase of 111.2%. Meanwhile, 2020 registered the biggest decline, with exports dropping by 47.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Hong Kong, the United States, and Kuwait emerged as the primary markets for Japan's dried shelled bean exports by volume. Hong Kong accounted for 50.5% of exports, followed by the United States at 10.7%, and Kuwait at 9.0%. Together, these three markets represented 70.2% 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

After two years of growth, Japan's exports of dried shelled beans in value terms declined. In 2021, exports amounted to 0.2 million US dollars, down 13.6% compared to 2020. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 0.3 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports rising by 13.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, the United States, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) were the main destinations for Japan's dried shelled bean exports by value. Hong Kong absorbed 54.0% of exports, the United States took 22.0%, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) accounted for 7.3%. Collectively, these three markets represented 83.3% 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 dried shelled beans to Japan

Imports in kind, K t

Japan's imports of dried shelled beans by volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at approximately 87.0 thousand tonnes, indicating an 18.1% reduction compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 30.6%, which equates to an average annual decline of 11.5%.

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

During 2018–2021, China, Myanmar, and Canada remained the top suppliers of dried shelled beans to Japan by volume. China accounted for 51.4% of imports, Myanmar for 19.8%, and Canada for 19.5%. Together, these three countries supplied 90.7% of Japan's total imports by 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 imports of dried shelled beans in value terms fell for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 144.6 million US dollars, marking a 4.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports declined by 15.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, three key markets—China, Canada, and Myanmar—together accounted for 91.4% of Japan's total imports of dried shelled beans by value.

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

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