Spinach market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, Japan's fresh spinach market experienced a gradual contraction in volume, starting from a base of 228.3 thousand tons. The initial period saw agricultural reforms and an influx of new private enterprises, including distribution companies and NPOs, entering the agribusiness sector, which helped sustain production levels. However, a steady decline followed from 2019 onward.

The market decline continued through the COVID-19 pandemic period. In 2021, shifts in consumer values toward more economical and selective spending, coupled with fluctuating demand from the food service sector, contributed to the reduction in overall market volume. By 2022, the rate of decline slowed considerably, nearly stabilizing. This moderation coincided with the introduction of updated registered pesticide protocols for mildew control, advancements in smart farming techniques, and coordinated efforts in Gunma Prefecture to standardize shipping specifications and ensure stable supply to major consumption areas like the Keihin market.

In 2023, high temperatures and drought conditions from July to September significantly reduced spinach arrivals, leading to a supply-driven price increase and a further decrease in market volume to 206.8 thousand tons. Concurrently, consumer purchasing behavior evolved, with greater emphasis placed on social media reviews, peer recommendations, and value-for-money, particularly among younger demographics.

Production spinach in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Japan was one of the world's top spinach producers from 2018 to 2021, holding the fourth position by production volume during this period.

Top producers of spinach, 2018-2021

World map of production of spinach, 2018-2021

Japan's spinach production declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 210.5 thousand tonnes of spinach, which was 1.6% lower than in 2020. Over the four-year period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 7.8%, with an average annual decline of 2.7%.

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

Exports spinach from Japan

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Import levels varied widely, with a 6.8-fold difference between the low in 2021 and the high in 2020. In 2021, Japan exported 2 082 kilograms of spinach, marking an 85.4% drop from 2020. The peak volume was recorded in 2020 at 14 259 kilograms, which represented a 290.2% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, kg

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore and Hong Kong together accounted for 98.1% of Japan's total spinach exports by volume, with the remaining share distributed among smaller markets.

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

The market experienced notable volatility during this time. There was a 9.4-fold variation between the minimum in 2021 and the maximum in 2020. In 2021, Japan's spinach exports were valued at 16.5 thousand US dollars, down 89.3% from 2020. The highest value was reached in 2020 at 154.8 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 363.0% surge from the year before.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Singapore and Hong Kong dominated Japan's spinach exports in value terms, while other markets played a minor role.

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

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

Imports spinach to Japan

According to market reports, Japan did not import any spinach from 2018 to 2021.