Fresh grapes market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The Japanese fresh grape market reached its peak volume of 218 thousand tons in 2019, largely driven by the lifting of the import ban on Australian grapes that year, which spurred a significant increase in imports. Following this, the total market volume began a gradual decline over the next several years. This period also saw the enactment of the revised Seedling Law in 2020, aimed at preventing the overseas outflow of proprietary Japanese varieties, and the sustained consumer popularity of seedless, easy-to-eat varieties like Shine Muscat, which continued to shift domestic production focus.

Market volume continued to contract, falling to 194 thousand tons by 2022 before stabilizing at 194 thousand tons in 2023. During this time, several new domestic grape varieties, including Sunshine Red and Queen Rouge, were officially registered and began commercial rollout, targeting high sugar content and seedless traits. Concurrently, the enforcement of the revised Seedling Law strengthened breeders' rights, while adjustments to import regulations and procedures for fresh fruits contributed to a declining import trend.

Production fresh grapes in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2018-2021

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2018-2021

After two years of decline, fresh grape production in Japan increased in 2021. The country produced 165.1 thousand tons of fresh grapes that year, marking a slight 1.0% rise compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 5.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 163.4 thousand tons, which also saw the largest year-on-year drop of 5.4%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Fresh grape production in Japan increased for the third consecutive year in 2021. The output was valued at 3 791 million US dollars, representing a slight 2.9% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value grew by 9.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%.

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

Exports fresh grapes from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Japan's fresh grape exports increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. The country exported 1 837 tons of fresh grapes, reflecting a 7.3% gain compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 23.1%, equating to an average annual increase of 7.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 385 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 7.2%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020 with a 23.6% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Japan's fresh grape exports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Hong Kong and unspecified Asian markets together accounting for 93.5% of total flows. Other trading partners represented only a small residual share.

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 fresh grape exports increased for the second consecutive year in value terms as well. In 2021, exports reached 42.2 million US dollars, representing a 9.2% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 42.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 29.3 million US dollars, which saw a modest decline of 1.1%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020 with a 31.9% rise.

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

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, Hong Kong and unspecified Asian markets remained the core destinations for Japan's fresh grape exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 91.8% of total flows. Other destinations had comparatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports fresh grapes to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's fresh grape imports declined for the second consecutive year in 2021. Import volumes stood at 36 672 tons, down by 17.3% compared to 2020. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 46 716 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 25.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States (38.8% of import volume), Chile (28.2%), and Australia (27.6%) consistently remained Japan's main sources for fresh grape imports. Together, these three countries accounted for 94.5% of total import volumes.

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

After two years of growth, Japan's fresh grape imports declined in value terms in 2021. The country imported 116.2 million US dollars worth of fresh grapes, reflecting a significant 12.3% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value still increased by 9.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The highest import value was recorded in 2020 at 132.5 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 23.1% rise.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, the United States (43.0% of import value), Australia (27.3%), and Chile (22.7%) led as Japan's main suppliers of fresh grapes in value terms. Their combined share reached 93.0% 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