Japan's Agricultural Exports Reach Record Highs in 2025

In 2025, Japan's exports of green tea, including matcha, reached a record high of 12,612 tonnes, marking an increase of approximately 3,800 tonnes from the previous year. This growth has tripled over the past decade, with the export value soaring to about 72.1 billion yen (approximately $490 million), nearly doubling the previous record of 36.4 billion yen set in 2024. The United States emerged as the largest market, accounting for 29.3 billion yen of the total exports, driven by rising health consciousness and the popularity of Japanese cuisine, particularly matcha-based products.

Japan’s green tea exports hit record high in 2025 amid growing demandJapan’s food exports soar despite US tariffs, China seafood curbsJapan's annual farm exports rise to new record 1.7 trillion yen

Overall, Japan's agricultural, forestry, and fishery product exports rose by 12.8% in 2025, totaling 1.701 trillion yen (approximately $10.9 billion). This marks the 13th consecutive year of growth and sets a new record, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The increase was supported by robust demand from the United States, which saw a 13.7% rise in imports to 276.2 billion yen, despite the imposition of new tariffs. Exports to China also rebounded, increasing by 7% to 179.9 billion yen, following a slump in the previous year.

Japan’s food exports soar despite US tariffs, China seafood curbsJapan's annual farm exports rise to new record 1.7 trillion yenJapan’s green tea exports hit record high in 2025 amid growing demand

Kazuyoshi Nakasugi, deputy director of MAFF’s export policy planning division, attributed the surge in exports to a growing global interest in Japanese cuisine and increased health awareness among consumers. The popularity of matcha, in particular, has expanded beyond beverages to include desserts and other culinary applications, further driving demand in markets such as the United States and Europe.

Japan’s food exports soar despite US tariffs, China seafood curbs

Despite the positive export figures, there are concerns regarding the impact of rising global demand on domestic prices. Horiguchien, a tea farm in Kagoshima, reported soaring prices due to strong demand, raising concerns that this trend could negatively affect sales in the medium to long term. Additionally, major beverage companies like Ito En and Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan announced price hikes for bottled green tea beverages, citing increased ingredient costs.

Japan’s green tea exports hit record high in 2025 amid growing demand

The Japanese government aims to achieve an ambitious target of 5 trillion yen in agricultural exports by 2030. However, the 2025 figures fell short of the government's interim goal of 2 trillion yen. Officials emphasize the need to continue developing export markets to meet future targets.

Japan's annual farm exports rise to new record 1.7 trillion yen

Some industry experts express concern that the rapid increase in export prices could alienate domestic consumers and lead to a decline in local sales. The president of Horiguchien highlighted the potential long-term consequences of prioritizing export growth over domestic market stability.

Japan’s food exports soar despite US tariffs, China seafood curbs

While the overall export figures indicate strong growth, there are discrepancies regarding specific product categories and their contributions to the total export value. For instance, while green tea exports have surged, other categories such as rice and seafood have shown mixed results, with some facing challenges due to geopolitical tensions.

Japan's annual farm exports rise to new record 1.7 trillion yen

“Prices are soaring, reflecting strong demand,” — President of Horiguchien, Kagoshima tea farm.

Japan’s green tea exports hit record high in 2025 amid growing demand

“Rising global interest in Japanese cuisine, greater awareness of Japanese food among inbound tourists, and growing health consciousness are driving demand,” — Kazuyoshi Nakasugi, MAFF.

Japan’s food exports soar despite US tariffs, China seafood curbs