Pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Japanese market for pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat saw modest growth, reaching 200.6 thousand tons by 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumption from foodservice to home cooking during this period, supporting domestic demand for fat used in household preparation.

Market volume then contracted to 184.9 thousand tons in 2021, coinciding with stricter regulations on food additives and revised JAS quality and labeling requirements for pork fat. These changes tightened the permissible raw material scope for fat-based products, likely constraining supply.

A recovery followed, with the market expanding to 206.8 thousand tons by 2023. This rebound was driven by increased imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside the formal revision of pork carcass trading standards that adjusted weight classes. Furthermore, a weaker yen elevated import pork prices, making domestic fat more attractive and boosting commercial-sector demand.

Production pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan ranked seventh globally in the production volume of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat.

Top producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2018-2021

World map of production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2018-2021

Japan's production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Japan produced 158.6 K t, marking a slight rise of 0.9% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 2.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 153.8 K t, with the largest decline of 0.4% occurring that year. In contrast, the largest increase of 2.1% was observed in 2020.

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

Exports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Japan's cross-border shipments of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 25 t, representing a significant surge of 224.7% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports soared by 4 039.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 245.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Italy and Vietnam were the dominant buyers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Japan, together accounting for 90.4% of total exports in kind. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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 exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 44 K $ US, up by 249.9% from the year before. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 1 179.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 133.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy and Hong Kong played the leading roles in Japan's exports in value terms, together capturing 88.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 26 336 t, showing a decrease of 39.5% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 39.6%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 15.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 45 567 t, with the largest increase of 4.4% occurring that year.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Canada (65.5% of imports in kind), Mexico (8.1% of imports in kind), and the United States (6.8% of imports in kind) were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Japan's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in kind. Together, they represented 80.4% 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 uptick, Japan's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in value terms declined. In 2021, imports came to 48 494 K $ US, reflecting a reduction of 49.1% compared with 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 27.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -10.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 95 245 K $ US, with the largest increase of 22.9% occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Canada (68.2% of imports in value terms), Mexico (8.3% of imports in value terms), and Spain (5.8% of imports in value terms) led the structure of Japan's imports in value terms, together accounting for 82.4% 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