Peaches and nectarines market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh peaches and nectarines in Japan fluctuated between 2018 and 2023. After a decline from 111.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 97.6 thousand tons in 2020, production rebounded to 105.7 thousand tons in 2021. This recovery was supported by production strategies in Nagano Prefecture, the leading nectarine producer, which optimized variety selection and shipment schedules to meet consumer demand. Further growth to 114.9 thousand tons in 2022 was driven by variety diversification and adjusted shipment timing, aligning with changing consumer preferences.

In value terms, the market showed a different pattern: from 1 043 million US dollars in 2018, it rose to 1 069 million US dollars in 2020 despite lower volume, indicating price increases. The peak value of 1 159 million US dollars was reached in 2021, followed by a drop to 927 million US dollars in 2023. This volatility reflects the influence of health trends on consumer willingness to pay, as well as potential cost structure changes or packaging innovations, such as the shift away from plastic.

Throughout the period, long-term trends shaped the market: growing awareness of the health benefits of fruits supported demand, while production innovations, including variety breeding and supply chain management, enhanced supply stability. Regional producers like agricultural cooperatives in Nagano played a key role in maintaining consistent shipments, and the expansion of the health food market reinforced the positioning of peaches and nectarines as healthy choices.

Production peaches and nectarines in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan maintained the 23rd position globally in terms of peach and nectarine production volume.

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2018-2021

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2018-2021

After two years of decline, Japan's peach and nectarine production rebounded. In 2021, Japan produced 107.3 K t of peaches and nectarines, marking a modest increase of 8.5% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 5.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 98.9 K t, with the largest decline of 8.3% occurring that same year.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Peach and nectarine production in Japan increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 1 179 M $ US, showing a measured gain of 8.6% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 055 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 0.3%.

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

Exports peaches and nectarines from Japan

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Japan's foreign supplies of peaches and nectarines reached 1 926 t, up by 20.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 11.6%, with a CAGR of 3.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 599 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 10.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong remained the dominant partner for Japan's peach and nectarine exports in kind, accounting for 76.5% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail.

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

Japan's exported peach and nectarine volumes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 21 158 K $ US, which is 20.6% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 31.2%, with a CAGR of 9.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Japan's peach and nectarine exports in value terms were largely concentrated on Hong Kong, which accounted for 74.9% of total flows; other countries together formed the residual {rest_share}%.

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

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

Imports peaches and nectarines to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's peach and nectarine imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Japan imported a total of {value_last_year} t of peaches and nectarines, reflecting an 18.6% gain relative to the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 17.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 186 t, which also saw the largest decline of 34.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 51.0% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, peaches and nectarines imported to Japan were supplied almost exclusively by the United States, which absorbed 100.0% of total imports in kind.

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 peach and nectarine import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports tallied 2 081 K $ US, which is 37.1% higher than a year earlier. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 36.5%, with a CAGR of 10.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 091 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 28.4%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, with a 39.2% rise.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the United States almost fully determined the geographical structure of peach and nectarine imports in value terms to Japan, with a share of 100.0% of total flows.

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

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