Japan’s agricultural and food exports rose 12.8% year-on-year to a record ¥1.7 trillion in 2025, marking the 13th consecutive annual increase, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Japan’s agricultural, forestry and fishery product and food exports climbed to ¥1.7 trillion in 2025, marking a 12.8% increase from ¥1.5 trillion in 2024 and extending a record-breaking streak to 13 consecutive years, government data showed.
Despite additional tariffs imposed in April, exports to the United States rose 13.7% year-on-year to ¥276.2 billion, supported by strong demand for green tea and beef. Exports to China also grew 7.0% to ¥179.9 billion, even as restrictions on Japanese seafood imports remained in place.
By product category, exports of beef, rice, green tea and yellowtail reached historic highs. By destination, shipments to the United States, Taiwan and South Korea also set new records, underscoring the strong competitiveness of Japanese food products in key Asian and North American markets.
Experts attribute the continued growth to increasing global interest in Japanese cuisine, greater awareness of Japanese food among inbound tourists, rising health consciousness, and the expansion of both existing and new trade channels.
The Japanese government has designated 31 priority export items, including meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, as well as timber, pearls and ornamental koi carp. The move highlights Japan’s internationally recognized strengths and the significant room for further export expansion.
With domestic demand expected to decline amid a shrinking population, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan emphasized the importance of strengthening production foundations and tapping into growing overseas food markets. In addition to expanding exports, the ministry plans to promote overseas development of Japan’s food industry and boost food-related consumption through inbound tourism, aiming to enhance overseas revenue through the synergy between exports and tourism.
