Japans Food Exports Hit Record 2025 Strong Us Demand

In 2025, Japan’s food, agricultural, and fishery exports reached a historic high, surging past previous records despite a complex global trade environment. This growth was primarily underpinned by two major factors: the persistent weakness of the Japanese yen, which made Japanese goods more price-competitive abroad, and an unprecedented spike in demand from the United States. In the U.S. market, high-end exports such as wagyu beef, premium sake, and green tea saw double-digit growth, reflecting a deepening consumer interest in Japanese culinary culture and luxury food products.

The record-breaking performance is particularly significant because it was achieved despite a total ban on Japanese seafood imports by China, which was formerly Japan's largest export destination. China's ban, implemented in late 2023 following the release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, initially caused a major slump in the seafood sector. However, the 2025 data suggests that Japan has successfully pivot its strategy, aggressively diversifying its trade routes toward North America, Southeast Asia, and the European Union. Products like scallops, which were previously sent in bulk to China, are now being processed domestically or in third-party countries and shipped directly to U.S. and European retailers.

Looking ahead, the Japanese government has doubled down on its goal to reach an annual export target of 5 trillion yen by 2030. To sustain this momentum, Tokyo is focusing on enhancing the "Japan Brand" through stricter quality certifications and infrastructure investments in cold-chain logistics. By positioning agricultural exports as a key driver for rural economic revitalization, Japan aims to transform its traditionally domestic-focused farming and fishing industries into a globally competitive powerhouse, insulating its economy from regional geopolitical tensions.