Latest data of average price for imported Western vegetables in Japan

Table of contents

Abstract
Domestic prices of Western vegetables
Import prices of Western vegetables
Reference

Abstract

In Japan’s agricultural vegetable market, there is a clear difference in price between domestically produced and imported products. According to data for 2022, the most expensive domestic vegetable was parsley at 1,380 yen/kg, while among imported vegetables, asparagus recorded the highest price at 977 yen/kg. The high prices of domestically produced vegetables are due to high production costs and weather conditions. Also, because it is grown according to domestic demand, prices fluctuate greatly depending on the season and region. On the other hand, imported vegetables are supplied from overseas according to demand and are therefore less affected by seasonal fluctuations, but their prices are affected by transportation costs and exchange rate fluctuations. Based on past trends, domestically produced vegetables tend to be high quality but expensive, while imported vegetables are characterized by their flexibility in responding to fluctuations in demand and being supplied with a wide variety of varieties.

Domestic prices of Western vegetables

When looking at trends in domestically produced vegetables in Japanese agriculture from 2004 to 2022, some interesting patterns emerge, particularly with a focus on Western vegetables. At its peak in 2016, parsley hit a record high of 1,530 yen/kg, but has now fallen to 90.2% of that price. This trend is thought to be due to the influence of imported vegetables and changes in domestic production volumes. Increased domestic parsley production and increased competition from imported parsley may be contributing to the decline in prices. On the other hand, concrete data is needed to see whether similar trends can be seen for other Western vegetables. Price fluctuations of domestically produced vegetables are affected by many factors, including the balance between supply and demand, improvements in production methods, and changes in weather conditions. A characteristic of the past has been that prices have fluctuated widely due to changes in demand and fluctuations in domestic and international competitiveness.

The maximum is 1.53kYen/kg[2016] of Parsley, and the current value is about 90.2%

Import prices of Western vegetables

Looking at data for 2022, Japan’s agricultural vegetable import market is the largest, with parsley having the highest overall price at 2,430 yen/kg. This is a new record high and suggests that demand for imported vegetables is on the rise. A distinctive feature of the imported vegetable market is the availability of a wide variety of varieties and a stable supply regardless of the season. Additionally, prefecture-specific data reflects regional variations in demand and changing consumer preferences. The prices of imported vegetables are affected by factors such as the economic situation of the producing country, weather, and transportation costs. Based on past trends, Japan’s imported vegetable market is showing signs of expansion, which is thought to be due to diversifying demand and changes in food culture.