Wine and wine products market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The Japanese wine market volume contracted from 584.5 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 562.2 thousand tonnes in 2019, while its value rose from 2 753 million to 2 928 million US dollars. This shift toward higher-value sales was driven by the implementation of the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which eliminated tariffs on European wines and triggered price reductions, especially for sparkling wines. Simultaneously, new labeling standards for Japanese wine took effect in October 2018, defining domestic wine made exclusively from Japanese grapes and supporting the growth of local wineries.

Market volume continued to decline sharply to 497.8 thousand tonnes in 2020 and 414.8 thousand tonnes in 2021, with value dropping to 2 480 million and 2 003 million US dollars respectively. The global supply-chain crisis, soaring energy prices, and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war pushed up transportation costs and weakened the yen, leading to widespread price increases and shortages on the Japanese market.

A recovery in restaurant demand sparked a rebound in 2022, lifting market volume to 431.6 thousand tonnes and value to 2 168 million US dollars. Imports of sparkling wine surged by approximately 115% to a record high, and the number of wineries producing 100% Japanese-grape wine doubled. The trend toward organic and sustainable production methods further expanded the market. By 2023, volume softened to 405.5 thousand tonnes, though value continued to climb to 2 229 million US dollars, reflecting a sustained consumer preference for premium offerings.

Production wine and wine products in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Japan was among the world's leading producers of wine and wine products from 2018 to 2021, ranking 27th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of wine and wine products, 2018-2021

World map of production of wine and wine products, 2018-2021

Wine and wine products production in Japan declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Japan produced 49 473 tonnes of wine and wine products, marking a dramatic fall of 38.5% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 38%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -14.7%. The maximum production volume was recorded in 2019 at 86 138 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 7.9% during this timeframe.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After a two-year uptick, wine and wine products production in Japan declined. In 2021, the output was valued at 507.9 million US dollars, which is 32.2% weaker compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 15.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 749.6 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 17.9%.

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

Exports wine and wine products from Japan

Exports in kind, K t

Japan's wine and wine products export volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Japan exported 95.2 thousand tonnes of wine and wine products, equivalent to a sharp rise of 44.9% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 62.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the primary buyers of wine and wine products from Japan in terms of volume were Asia, not elsewhere specified (21.3% of exports in kind), China (16.6% of exports in kind), and the United States (16.6% of exports in kind). Together, these markets accounted for 54.5% of Japan's total exports in kind during this period.

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

Exported wine and wine products volumes from Japan increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 978 million US dollars, representing an abrupt rise of 59.8% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 120.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 30.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the primary buyers of wine and wine products from Japan in value terms were the United States (22.8% of exports in value terms), China (22.7% of exports in value terms), and Hong Kong (12.6% of exports in value terms). Collectively, these markets accounted for 58.1% of Japan's total exports in value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports wine and wine products to Japan

Imports in kind, K t

Wine and wine products imports into Japan declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 460.6 thousand tonnes, marking a decrease of 4.6% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 18.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -6.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the leading suppliers of wine and wine products to Japan in terms of volume were South Korea (22.8% of imports in kind), Chile (15.0% of imports in kind), and France (13.6% of imports in kind). Their combined share reached 51.4% of Japan's total imports in kind during this period.

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, wine and wine products deliveries to Japan were recorded at 2 473 million US dollars, which is 5.6% elevated year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 342 million US dollars, while the maximum value occurred in 2019 at 2 739 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2020 with a drop of 14.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a rise of 5.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main markets for imports of wine and wine products into Japan in value terms were France (41.1% of imports in value terms), the United Kingdom (12.4% of imports in value terms), and the United States (10.6% of imports in value terms). Together, these countries accounted for 64.1% of Japan's total import flows in value during this timeframe.

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

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