Dried shelled legumes market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The dried shelled legumes market in Japan expanded in the early part of the period, with production rising by nearly 40% between 2018 and 2019. This growth was supported by the expanding plant-based milk industry, which increased demand for legumes as a raw material, and a broader consumer shift toward health-conscious eating that raised interest in plant-based protein sources.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a surge in consumer demand for dried legumes due to their long shelf life, but widespread supply chain disruptions limited the market's ability to meet this demand, resulting in lower production and imports from 2020 to 2021. During the same period, the rapid rise of vegan and vegetarian diets continued to underpin consumption, although overall market volume declined as supply constraints outweighed these demand-side factors.

Market volume partially recovered in 2022, aided by stronger health and wellness trends, the launch of new products such as bean noodles that used legumes as a primary ingredient, and government initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture. However, persistent supply chain issues and cost fluctuations emerged as significant headwinds, leading to a sharp drop in production and market size in 2023.

Production dried shelled legumes in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2018-2021

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

Japan's production of dried shelled legumes has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 101 190 tonnes, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 12.8%. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The peak was in 2019, when output reached 147 433 tonnes. That year also saw the largest increase, at 38.8%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the steepest decline, with production dropping by 21.3%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Japan

Exports in kind, K t

The export data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. In 2019, exports hit their highest point at 0.1 thousand tonnes, while 2020 saw the lowest level, also at 0.1 thousand tonnes, creating a 2.2-fold gap between these years. In 2021, Japan exported 0.1 thousand tonnes of dried shelled legumes, which was 24.3% higher than in 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 54.4%, whereas 2019 recorded the biggest increase, at 109.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, the United States, and Italy were the primary markets for Japan's dried shelled legume exports by volume. Hong Kong accounted for 34.2% of exports, the United States for 21.3%, and Italy for 10.1%. Together, these three destinations made up 65.6% 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

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. Exports in value terms peaked in 2021 at 0.5 million US dollars, while the lowest point was in 2020 at 0.3 million US dollars, resulting in a 2-fold difference. In 2021, exports rose by 98.8% compared to 2020. The largest decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 13.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Hong Kong, Italy, and the United States were the main destinations for Japan's dried shelled legume exports by value. Hong Kong represented 36.4% of export value, Italy 22.2%, and the United States 19.0%. Collectively, they absorbed 77.5% 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 legumes to Japan

Imports in kind, K t

Japan's imports of dried shelled legumes have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 107.9 thousand tonnes, down 18.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 28.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Canada, and Myanmar were the key sources for Japan's dried shelled legume imports by volume. China supplied 44.3% of imports, Canada 22.0%, and Myanmar 16.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 82.5% 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, M $ US

Japan's imports of dried shelled legumes in value terms have declined for the third year running. In 2021, imports amounted to 167.3 million US dollars, showing a moderate decrease of 6.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 span, imports dropped by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.3%.

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

During 2018-2021, China, Canada, and Myanmar led as the top suppliers of dried shelled legumes to Japan by value. China contributed 53.8% of import value, Canada 18.9%, and Myanmar 11.6%. Combined, they made up 84.4% 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