Lard and poultry fats market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Japanese lard and poultry fats market showed relative stability, with volume hovering around 59 000 t. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 boosted at-home cooking demand, while BSE and avian influenza outbreaks increased substitution demand for pork. This supported domestic meat production and, consequently, the output of associated fats. However, a surge in exports of fats to over 1 700 t that year contributed to a slight market size contraction.

The market gradually declined from 57 717 t in 2021 to 57 001 t in 2023. This was primarily driven by an exceptional spike in exports, which reached 3 457 t in 2021, significantly reducing domestic availability. In the following years, export volumes returned to normal levels, and the market stabilized with minor year-to-year changes.

In 2024, the underlying meat market expanded due to rising disposable income and urbanization, sustaining demand for pork and poultry fats. By 2025, international avian influenza outbreaks in the U.S. and U.K. led to temporary poultry import suspensions, affecting supply chains. Simultaneously, the Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Association intensified efforts to promote Japanese pork abroad, which could influence future trade flows for fats. Consumer surveys also indicated a strong preference for economy and convenience, shaping purchasing behavior.

Production lard and poultry fats in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Japan was among the world's leading producers of lard and poultry fats from 2018 to 2021, ranking 18th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2018-2021

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2018-2021

Japan's production of lard and poultry fats increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 58 905 tonnes, marking a 0.9% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 2.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 57 115 tonnes, which saw a decline of 0.5%. This was followed by the largest increase in 2020, when production rose by 2.2%.

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

Exports lard and poultry fats from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Japan's exports of lard and poultry fats increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 3 457 tonnes, representing a substantial 99.0% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 4 588.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 260.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore dominated Japan's export partner structure for lard and poultry fats in volume terms, accounting for 83.0% of total flows. Other markets held comparatively modest shares during this period.

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, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The period saw a trough in 2019 and a peak in 2021, showing a 24-fold swing. In 2021, Japan's exports of lard and poultry fats amounted to 3 145 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant rise of 169.1% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 129 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 5.1%. This was followed by the largest increase in 2020, when exports surged by 805.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical pattern of Japan's exports in value terms was characterized by the strong dominance of Singapore, whose share reached 75.3% of total flows. Other partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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

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

Imports lard and poultry fats to Japan

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Japan's imports of lard and poultry fats declined. In 2021, imports amounted to 2 268 tonnes, down by 19.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 9.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 829 tonnes, which followed the largest increase in 2019 of 31.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France, South Korea, and the Netherlands remained the leading destinations in Japan's import structure for lard and poultry fats in volume terms. France accounted for 33.1% of imports, South Korea for 27.7%, and the Netherlands for 26.1%, with their combined share reaching 86.8% of total 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

After a two-year rise, Japan's imports of lard and poultry fats declined. In 2021, imports came to 4 041 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a moderate decline of 6.6% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 31%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 4 324 thousand US dollars, which followed the largest increase in 2019 of 36.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—the Netherlands, France, and South Korea—together absorbed 85.3% of Japan's total imports of lard and poultry fats in value terms.

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

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