Japan: Sweet Potato Market 2024

Sweet Potato Market Size in Japan

After two years of growth, the Japanese sweet potato market decreased by X% to $X in 2023. In general, consumption recorded a noticeable setback. Sweet potato consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sweet Potato Production in Japan

In value terms, sweet potato production amounted to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a noticeable descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the production volume increased by X%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2023, the average sweet potato yield in Japan fell modestly to X tons per ha, with a decrease of X% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the yield increased by X%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2014 to 2023, the growth of the average sweet potato yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The sweet potato harvested area in Japan amounted to X ha in 2023, approximately mirroring 2022 figures. In general, the harvested area, however, continues to indicate a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the harvested area increased by X% against the previous year. The sweet potato harvested area peaked at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from Japan

For the twelfth year in a row, Japan recorded growth in overseas shipments of sweet potatoes, which increased by X% to X tons in 2023. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by X%. The exports peaked in 2023 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, sweet potato exports reduced modestly to $X in 2023. In general, exports showed significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of X%. The exports peaked at $X in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Hong Kong SAR (X tons), Thailand (X tons) and Singapore (X tons) were the main destinations of sweet potato exports from Japan, with a combined X% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Thailand (with a CAGR of X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Hong Kong SAR ($X), Thailand ($X) and Singapore ($X) were the largest markets for sweet potato exported from Japan worldwide, together accounting for X% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Thailand, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average sweet potato export price stood at $X per ton in 2023, with a decrease of X% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a slight reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the average export price increased by X%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2023, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major foreign markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the countries with the highest prices were Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) and Singapore ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Malaysia ($X per ton) and Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Taiwan (Chinese) (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into Japan

Sweet potato imports into Japan shrank to X tons in 2023, reducing by X% on 2022 figures. In general, imports showed a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by X%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2023, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato imports fell slightly to $X in 2023. Overall, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by X%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2023, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), Vietnam (X tons) and Indonesia (X tons) were the main suppliers of sweet potato imports to Japan.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Indonesia (with a CAGR of X%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X), Indonesia ($X) and China ($X) constituted the largest sweet potato suppliers to Japan.

Among the main suppliers, Vietnam, with a CAGR of X%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

The average sweet potato import price stood at $X per ton in 2023, with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated noticeable growth from 2012 to 2023: its price increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, sweet potato import price increased by X% against 2021 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of X%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum in 2023 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the price for China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Vietnam (X%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform