Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Japan's raw cane or beet sugar market volume first increased then declined. The implementation of the CPTPP agreement at the end of 2018 enhanced the competitiveness of Australian sugar and led to imported sweetened products being included in the sugar price adjustment system, which boosted import volumes in 2019. Concurrently, the announced merger of major producers Mitsui Sugar and Dai-Nippon Meiji Sugar initiated industry restructuring that supported growth in domestic production. However, in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary contraction in economic activity, reducing sugar consumption and lowering market volume.

After 2020, market volume partially recovered in 2021 due to renewed demand from the commercial sector such as restaurants and souvenir products, as well as high raw sugar prices driven by a weak yen and adverse weather in exporting countries, which stimulated domestic output. From 2022 onward, however, market volume declined again as domestic production fell and consumer preference for low-sugar products continued to dampen overall consumption. Industry restructuring advanced with Nissin Sugar's acquisition of Ito Chu Sugar, while market stabilization policies including the price adjustment system remained in place. By 2023, market volume had dropped to 5 109 thousand tons, following a downward trend.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Japan ranked as the 17th largest producer of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form between 2018 and 2021.

Top producers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2018-2021

World map of production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2018-2021

In 2021, Japan produced 4 847 K t of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 3.5%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 11.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 9.6%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2020, at 1.7%.

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

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Japan

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. From 2018 to 2020, exports experienced a peak-to-trough amplitude of 7 times. In 2021, Japan's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form amounted to 0.1 K t, reflecting a sharp decrease of 81.4% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 K t, with the largest increase occurring in 2020 at 202.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the United States led the structure of exports in kind, accounting for 39.6%, 21.8%, and 11.3% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 72.8% of total export flows.

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

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 2-fold gap between these years. In 2021, Japan's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form totaled 0.7 M $ US, corresponding to a decrease of 10.6% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.9 M $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 98.6%, while the largest decline was in 2020 at 14.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong, Asia (not elsewhere specified), and South Korea were the main destinations for Japan's raw cane or beet sugar in solid form exports in value terms, with shares of 31.3%, 21.4%, and 19.7%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 72.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Japan

Imports in kind, K t

Japan's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 979 K t, representing a gradual decline of 6.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 16.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 202 K t. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 1.9%, while the largest decline was in 2020 at 12.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Australia dominated Japan's imports in kind, accounting for 80.4% of total imports, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

After a two-year decline, Japan's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form increased. In 2021, import volume reached 501.7 M $ US, up by 28.2% over the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 20%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 391.3 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 5.4%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Australia played the leading role in Japan's imports in value terms, with a share of 79.8% of total flows, while other markets together accounted for the remainder.

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

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