Mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

Japan's mandarin market experienced a gradual contraction in volume from 791.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 698.4 thousand tons in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by continued government-led production adjustments that reduced cultivation area, alongside a significant weather-related shock in 2022 when extreme summer heat caused the harvest to fall below 700 thousand tons. The market's value followed a similar downward trend, dropping from $3.9 billion to $3.2 billion over the same period.

Amid this contraction, the market saw innovation and shifts in consumer preferences. Producers responded to demand for sweeter, easy-to-peel varieties by introducing new cultivars like 'Asuki' and 'Beni Princess'. Processed product development also advanced, exemplified by Tajima Citrus Garden's launch of a frozen clementine juice. Furthermore, players like Yamamoto Farm catered to diverse needs by selling non-standard fruit.

Structural changes began influencing trade flows. A notable easing of EU export quarantine conditions in March 2022 opened a pathway for increased overseas shipments. While domestic consumption remained under pressure, the focus on premium varieties and growing recognition of clementines aligned with sustained consumer interest in quality and convenience.

Production mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Japan ranked as the 10th largest producer of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2018-2021

World map of production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2018-2021

In 2021, Japan produced 749.0 K t of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids, showing a slight decrease of 2.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production declined by 3.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 746.7 K t. That year also saw the largest decline of 3.5%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2020 with a 2.6% rise.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Japan's production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 3 793 M $ US, marking a modest rise of 2.4% from the prior year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 446 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 10.1%. The most significant increase was in 2020, with a 7.5% jump.

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

Exports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Japan's export volume of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 1 698 t, a 49.3% increase year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 90%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 23.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, accounting for 42.0% of exports in kind, Asia not elsewhere specified at 26.7%, and Canada with 11.8%, together made up 80.4% of total exports in kind. These remained the primary destinations for Japan's mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids.

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

Shipments of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids from Japan increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, export volume amounted to 8 598 K $ US, a 56.3% rise from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 94.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Hong Kong, with 45.8% of exports in value terms, Asia not elsewhere specified at 29.5%, and Singapore at 9.4%, remained the top destinations in Japan's export structure. Together, they accounted for 84.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Deliveries of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids to Japan increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Japan imported approximately 22 504 t, which is 4.1% higher than in 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States and Australia dominated Japan's imports in kind of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids, jointly accounting for 89.2% of total flows. Other countries held much smaller shares.

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

Japan's import volume of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 40 277 K $ US, showing a limited rise of 8.9% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 20.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.4%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 31 571 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 5.5%. The biggest increase occurred in 2020 with a 17.1% jump.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, the United States and Australia together captured 88.7% of Japan's total imports in value terms, while the remaining flows were thinly spread across other markets.

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

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