Treenuts market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The Japanese treenuts market volume grew from 98 848 t in 2018 to a peak of 113 196 t in 2021, driven primarily by rising health consciousness and the expansion of vegan diets, which boosted nut consumption. The introduction of flavored nuts and the integration of nuts into functional foods and dietary supplements further stimulated demand during this period. After 2021, the market contracted to 105 114 t in 2022 and then stabilized at 104 523 t in 2023, as increased costs for bulk nuts due to tariffs between the United States and other countries began to weigh on import volumes.

Structural developments within the market included the opening of a pecan nut processing and sales facility in Rikuzentakata City in 2022, which supports domestic production and commercialization. Product innovation also remained active, with major players like Blue Diamond Almonds launching new flavored almond varieties to cater to evolving consumer tastes.

Long-term trends such as the shift toward plant-based diets, consumer preference for sustainable sourcing, and demographic changes continued to shape the market. The growing popularity of nut-based derivatives like almond milk and nut butters reflects these broader shifts in consumer behavior.

Production treenuts in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of treenuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of treenuts, 2018-2021

Japan's treenuts production reached 15,700 tonnes in 2021, marking a 7.1% year-on-year decline. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 4.8%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 15,700 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2020 with 16,900 tonnes. The most significant increase was observed in 2020, when production rose by 7.6%.

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

Exports treenuts from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Japan's treenuts exports rebounded in 2021. Shipments abroad totaled 733 tonnes, representing a substantial 35.7% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the broader 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 15.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 540 tonnes, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2019, when exports dropped by 29.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China dominated Japan's treenuts exports in volume terms, accounting for nearly all shipments with a 99.5% share 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, M $ US

Export values for treenuts from Japan showed significant volatility during this period. The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a turbulent market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2020 at $1.9 million US, down from a high in 2018, resulting in a 2.1-fold variation between these years. In 2021, export values rebounded sharply to $3.5 million US, representing an impressive 87.8% increase compared to 2020. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 48.2%.

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

In value terms, Japan's treenuts exports from 2018 to 2021 were heavily concentrated on China, which accounted for 98.7% of total export 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 treenuts to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's treenuts imports continued to grow for the second consecutive year in 2021. Import volumes reached 98,229 tonnes, showing a 14.7% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 18%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 81,914 tonnes, which also saw the smallest decline of 1.6% during this timeframe.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, India, and Vietnam formed the main group of sources for Japan's treenuts imports in volume terms. The United States led with 67.5% of imports, followed by India at 8.4% and Vietnam at 5.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 81.7% of total import 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, the value of Japan's treenuts imports remained virtually unchanged from the previous year, totaling $611.4 million US. Over the 2018-2021 period, import values decreased by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $601.4 million US, which also experienced the largest decline of 10.1%. In contrast, the most significant increase occurred in 2020, with a 1.9% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, India, and Australia remained the leading sources for Japan's treenuts imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 64.4% of imports, India for 10.8%, and Australia for 6.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 81.3% of total import flows.

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

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