Pig offal market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The market for pig offal in Japan experienced moderate growth from 2018 to 2021, with volume rising from 170.1 thousand t to 172.3 thousand t. The global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 likely affected the meat market, though no specific regulatory changes were recorded. A key shift occurred in 2021 when a severe heatwave drove up domestic pork carcass prices and constrained shipments, prompting a partial switch to imported pork. This substitution supported import growth and helped increase total market volume despite pressure on domestic supply.

Market volume dipped slightly to 171.4 thousand t in 2022, primarily due to a decline in domestic production, even as pork imports continued to expand amid steady consumer demand. By 2023, the market recovered to 173.3 thousand t, fueled by increased imports of chilled pork from Canada and Mexico and a sustained consumer preference shift towards pork and poultry.

In 2024, extreme heat again impacted domestic shipment volumes, leading to higher carcass prices and increased inventories, while substitution towards imported pork advanced in certain segments despite quality constraints. By 2025, wholesale pork prices remained elevated, and as consumers grew accustomed to higher retail prices, the share of domestic pork rose alongside increased promotional sales of imported pork. The government actively pursued a pork export expansion strategy, aiming for 6 billion yen in exports by 2030.

Production pig offal in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan maintained the 9th position globally in terms of pig offal production volume.

Top producers of pig offal, 2018-2021

World map of production of pig offal, 2018-2021

Japan's pig offal production grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 141.4 K t of pig offal, marking a slight increase of 0.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 2.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 137.2 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 offal from Japan

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. From 2019 to 2020, exports experienced a peak-to-trough amplitude of 7.1 times. In 2021, Japan's pig offal exports totaled 22 t, reflecting a steep decline of 46.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 t, while the maximum value was reached in 2020 at 41 t. The largest decline of 60.0% occurred in 2019, and the largest increase of 606.6% was recorded in 2020.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, pig offal from Japan was supplied almost exclusively to Hong Kong, which accounted for 98.1% of total exports in kind.

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, M $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Export volumes peaked in 2020 and dropped to their lowest point in 2019, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 3.2 times. In 2021, Japan exported 0.1 M $ US of pig offal, representing a strong reduction of 14.0% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 M $ US, while the maximum value was reached in 2020 at 0.2 M $ US. The largest increase of 220.1% was observed in 2020.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Hong Kong concentrated 89.8% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining volume distributed among many countries, each holding smaller individual shares.

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 offal to Japan

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, foreign pig offal supplies to Japan totaled 30 973 t, amounting to a gain of 2.4% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 30 251 t, while the maximum value was reached in 2019 at 32 891 t. The largest decline of 8.0% occurred in 2020.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, the United States (39.7% of imports in kind), Australia (16.7% of imports in kind), and China (8.3% of imports in kind) formed the core group of markets for imports in kind, together representing 64.7% 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, M $ US

In 2021, Japan's pig offal imports reached 294.6 M $ US, which is 17.6% higher compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 4.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 1.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 250.5 M $ US, with the largest decline of 13.4% occurring that year.

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

Over 2018–2021, China (35.3% of imports in value terms), Australia (21.8% of imports in value terms), and the United States (15.4% of imports in value terms) together absorbed 72.5% of total imports in value terms of pig offal to Japan, making them the main sources.

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

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