Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Japanese market for sunflower, safflower, and cottonseed oils contracted in physical volume from 38 650 t to 21 183 t, while its value remained relatively stable, hovering around $60 million. This decline was driven primarily by a steep fall in imports, which dropped from 33 819 t to 16 697 t over the period. The market's initial expansion in 2019 to 42 198 t aligned with a broader trend of growing demand for vegetable oils in Japan.

From 2020, supply-side pressures began to shape the market. The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 severely disrupted exports from a key global producing region, causing a worldwide shortage and price surge that led to a sharp contraction in Japan's import volumes. Concurrently, sustained consumer interest in the health benefits of sunflower oil and the launch of new personal-care products containing it helped maintain market value. Domestic production played a minor role, fluctuating modestly between 4 200 t and 4 600 t annually, while evolving JAS quality standards and GMO labeling rules provided a consistent regulatory backdrop.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions, 2018-2021

World map of production of sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions, 2018-2021

In 2021, Japan produced 4 241 tonnes of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions, marking an 8.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 13.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 1.1%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Japan's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 16 829 thousand US dollars, down 2.2% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 9.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -3.3%.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Japan increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 148 tonnes, showing a sharp rise of 66.3% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 107.4%, with an annualized rate of 27.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States (27.0% of exports in kind), China (23.8%), and Thailand (22.0%) were the principal destinations for Japan's exports in kind, jointly accounting for 72.8% of total 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, K $ US

The value of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions exports from Japan increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 588 thousand US dollars, a steep increase of 77.5% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 117%, with an annualized rate of 29.5%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for Japan's exports in value terms were the United States, China, and Thailand, together accounting for 73.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions into Japan declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 29 612 tonnes, down 15.1% year-on-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 12.4%, with a CAGR of -4.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 37 704 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 11.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France (25.3% of imports in kind), the United States (15.4%), and Hungary (11.8%) were the main suppliers of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions to Japan, together comprising 52.5% 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

The value of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions imports into Japan declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 44 507 thousand US dollars, remaining stable year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 9.3%, with an annualized rate of 3.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 47 236 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 16.0%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 5.3%.

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

In 2018 to 2021, France (24.1% of imports in value terms), the United States (18.8%), and Spain (11.4%) together accounted for 54.4% of total imports in value terms, serving as the main sources for sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions to Japan.

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

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