Honey market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Japanese honey market volume grew from 47.3 thousand t to over 52.2 thousand t. This expansion was supported by a global health and wellness trend, which boosted demand for natural and organic foods, particularly among an aging population seeking functional products. The introduction of mandatory HACCP hygiene plans for honey sales in 2020 further strengthened food safety standards, likely enhancing consumer confidence in the product.

Following the 2020 peak, market volume contracted to around 49.8 thousand t in 2022 and fell more sharply to 44.5 thousand t in 2023. This decline coincided with stricter labeling rules and quality standards under revised fair competition codes, which may have temporarily constrained supply. During this period, rising demand for non-pasteurized, additive-free domestic honey supported the premium segment, while the expansion of online sales channels improved nationwide access to diverse products despite a persistent shortage of local honey keeping prices elevated.

The market continued to adapt to regulatory evolution, including strengthened origin labeling requirements and quality benchmarks for raw honey. The entry of new small-scale beekeepers and specialty shops increased product variety, while honey's growing application in cosmetics and personal care items created additional demand streams. Import procedures were also tightened with new rules on sugar content and origin verification, influencing the supply structure.

Production honey in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of honey, 2018-2021

World map of production of honey, 2018-2021

Honey production in Japan saw a decline after two years of growth. In 2021, production reached 2 745 tonnes, marking a 6.3% decrease from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 2.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 2 929 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 at 3.0%.

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

Exports honey from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Honey exports from Japan showed an unstable trend during the observed period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 tonnes, which then surged to a peak of 33 tonnes in 2021, representing a 3.4-fold increase. In 2021, exports rose by 77.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 47.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2020 at 91.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, Asia (not elsewhere specified), and Thailand consistently led Japan's honey exports by volume. Hong Kong accounted for 36.2% of exports, Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 20.5%, and Thailand for 10.8%. Together, these three destinations represented 67.5% of Japan's total honey 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

Japan's honey exports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 0.5 million US dollars, a 29.8% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 69.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 0.3 million US dollars, which saw a decline of 5.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 38.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, China, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) were the top buyers of Japanese honey by value. Hong Kong led with 38.0% of exports, followed by China at 24.4%, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) at 13.0%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 75.4% of Japan's total honey 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 honey to Japan

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Japan's honey import volume declined. In 2021, imports totaled 47 132 tonnes, a moderate decrease of 4.5% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The peak import volume was in 2020 at 49 348 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 10.2%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, China, Argentina, and Canada were the key partners for Japan's honey imports by volume. China dominated with 68.2% of imports, followed by Argentina at 9.8%, and Canada at 8.1%. Together, these three countries supplied 86.2% of Japan's total honey 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

In 2021, Japan's honey import value totaled 169.8 million US dollars, down by 2.3% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 16.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 144.5 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2020 at 173.7 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 20.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, New Zealand, and Canada formed the core of Japan's honey imports by value. China accounted for 44.4% of imports, New Zealand for 18.9%, and Canada for 10.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 73.3% of Japan's total honey 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