Japan’s exports of rice and other agricultural products hit a new high in 2025, as global demand continued to grow despite challenges such as tariffs and market disruptions. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, export values for farm, fishery and food products rose about 12.8 % year‑on‑year to roughly ¥1.7 trillion ($10.9 billion) — marking a record high for the 13th consecutive year. Strong demand from major markets — especially the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea — was a key driver of export growth, even as trade barriers and past disruptions continued to influence shipments.
Industry officials pointed to rising global interest in Japanese cuisine and greater awareness of authentic Japanese food as factors helping to fuel exports of staples such as rice, beef, and green tea. Despite the export rebound, the total value remained below the government’s earlier target of ¥2 trillion for the calendar year 2025, prompting some policymakers and industry stakeholders to push for further diversification of markets and stronger global supply chains.
