Millet market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The Japanese millet market in volume terms showed significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Market size grew from 9 006 t in 2018 to a peak of 10 485 t in 2021, before declining to 8 659 t in 2023. The growth in 2020 and 2021 coincided with heightened consumer demand for healthy and gluten-free foods, alongside the expansion of the functional food market where millet was used to create high-value-added products. Domestic millet production remained stable at around 250 t per year, meaning changes in market volume were primarily driven by import dynamics.

Throughout the period, the market adapted to structural shifts. In 2020, a growing health orientation spurred the development of new millet-based products, though new player entry remained limited. By 2022, diversification of distribution channels and tighter labeling and packaging regulations reflected rising consumer demands for safety and transparency. In 2023, a new product segment emerged with millet-based breakfast cereals gaining attention, where pearl millet captured a significant share. Concurrently, the adoption of precision farming technologies continued to enhance the crop's value addition.

Import data for 2024 and 2025 indicates a further adjustment, with imports falling to 8 220 t in 2024 and showing a slight recovery to 8 331 t in 2025. Factors during these years included ongoing policy support from domestic and international bodies, as well as advances in processing technology. However, the closure of the specialized Café Millet in 2025 highlighted market challenges related to rising costs and demographic shifts.

Production millet in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of millet, 2018-2021

World map of production of millet, 2018-2021

Japan's millet production saw growth for two consecutive years before declining. In 2021, production reached 250.6 t, marking a slight decrease of 0.6% from the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2020 at 252.2 t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 1.5%.

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

Exports millet from Japan

According to market intelligence reports, Japan did not export any millet from 2018 through 2021.

Imports millet to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's millet imports rose for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 10 234 t, showing a modest increase of 8.1% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 16.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 8 477 t, which also saw the largest decline of 3.2%. The highest annual increase occurred in 2020 at 11.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, India, the United States, and China were the top contributors to Japan's millet imports by volume. India accounted for 45.2% of imports, the United States for 22.4%, and China for 13.3%, together making up 80.9% 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, K $ US

Japan's millet imports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 6 927 K $ US, up 2.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value rose by 43%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, India, China, and the United States were the leading sources of Japan's millet imports by value. India represented 32.2% of import value, China 19.0%, and the United States 16.6%, collectively accounting for 67.8% of total import flows.

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

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