Food exports from Japan increased by 15.5% in the first half of the year (January to June)
Japanese Food Exports See Record Growth in First Half of 2023
Japan's food exports to the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea have experienced a significant increase in the first half of 2023, according to data released by the Japanese government's agriculture ministry on August 4, 2023.
Driving the Growth
The growth in exports to the United States was primarily driven by robust demand for specific Japanese food products such as scallops, green tea, and yellowtail. Despite concerns over reciprocal tariffs announced by the U.S. in April 2023, demand remained strong.
To Taiwan and South Korea, the increase in exports is attributed to the increased recognition and popularity of Japanese cuisine in these markets. This surge in consumer interest was linked to a rise in visitors traveling to Japan before the pandemic and an uptick in the number of Japanese restaurants in those countries, which boosted demand for Japanese food products.
Market Impact
The United States became the largest destination for Japanese agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, accounting for 18.6% of total food exports from Japan in that period, highlighting a shift in market focus and expanding export opportunities.
The increased export volumes likely supported Japanese food producers and exporters by opening up expanded foreign markets and strengthening economic ties, particularly in food sectors benefiting from trends towards Japanese cuisine abroad.
However, this rise in food exports contrasts with overall fluctuations in Japan’s total exports to the U.S. and other regions, where goods like motor vehicles and electronics faced tariff pressures and declining demand as of mid-2025, indicating that food exports may be a relatively strong segment despite broader trade challenges.
Record Breaking Figures
Exports to the United States reached a record first-half high of 141.0 billion yen, a 22.0% increase year-on-year. Japan's exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and other food items increased by 15.5% to 809.7 billion yen from January-June 2023.
However, the survey by the ministry did not focus on the reasons for the record highs in exports to Taiwan and South Korea, and the ministry did not release any new information on the growth in exports to these countries.
In summary, the growth in Japanese food exports to the U.S., Taiwan, and South Korea in early 2023 was driven by specific consumer demand for Japanese food products and growing cultural influence of Japanese cuisine overseas, which positively impacted Japan’s food export market despite broader trade uncertainties.
The increased demand for specific Japanese food products, such as scallops, green tea, and yellowtail, in the United States contributed to the growth in food-and-drink exports, which reached a record first-half high of 141.0 billion yen. The popularity of Japanese cuisine in Taiwan and South Korea also played a significant role in the surge of food exports to these countries, boosting demand for Japanese-made products. The growth in Japanese food export business not only supports domestic food producers but also strengthens economic ties with these foreign markets, especially those with a growing interest in Japanese cuisine and lifestyle.
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