Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has reported a remarkable surge in the country’s exports of food, agricultural products, forestry, and fishery goods in the first six months of 2023. The figures rose by an impressive 9.6% compared to the same period last year, reaching a record high of 7,144 billion yen (approximately $5.0 billion). The rebound in demand from restaurants and retail stores has been a driving force behind this surge.
A key contributing factor to the increase in exports during this period has been the depreciation of the yen, which has made Japanese products more competitive in international markets. Additionally, robust export growth to China and Hong Kong has played a significant role. Exports to China experienced a substantial rise of 16.2%, reaching 1,394 billion yen, while exports to Hong Kong surged by an impressive 25.8%, amounting to 1,154 billion yen.
Despite the positive outlook, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries remains cautious about the Chinese and Hong Kong markets. Both countries have recently strengthened radiation detection protocols for seafood imported from Japan, resulting in slower customs clearance procedures. These measures were implemented as a precautionary step after Japan’s announcement of treated wastewater discharge from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea, which is scheduled for the summer of this year (June-August).
The United States remains the third-largest market for Japanese agricultural products, after China and Hong Kong, with a total value of 96.4 billion yen. However, it experienced a slight decline of 7.9% in value compared to the previous year. Taiwan emerged as the fourth-largest market with a value of 67.4 billion yen, representing an impressive growth of 11.9%. South Korea followed closely at 35.6 billion yen, enjoying a substantial increase of 19.9% in agricultural product imports from Japan.
The surge in Japan’s agricultural exports showcases the resilience and adaptability of the country’s agricultural sector amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. As global demand rebounds and countries ease restrictions, Japanese agricultural exporters have capitalized on these opportunities to expand their presence in international markets. The strong performance in the first half of 2023 indicates a positive outlook for Japan’s agricultural trade and its potential to further boost the country’s economy.
However, monitoring the evolving situation in the Chinese and Hong Kong markets will be crucial for Japanese exporters. Striking a balance between meeting international safety standards and satisfying export demand is imperative to ensure the continued growth of Japan’s agricultural exports and maintain the country’s position as a key player in the global agricultural trade landscape.