Production and trade of Japanese citrus was detailed in a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) report.
GRAPEFRUIT
Japan produces negligible amounts of grapefruit. However, it produces several domestic and unique pomelo or grapefruit-like citrus varieties such as buntan, a type of pomelo. These grapefruit-like varieties are popular among elderly consumers in Japan. The harvested area and production of grapefruit-like citrus have been declining.
For 2023–24, Japanese pomelo production remained at 25,000 metric tons (MT) with harvested area marginally decreased to 1,170 hectares. The forecast for 2024–25 is for a further marginal reduction of harvested area to 1,160 hectares, which is expected to produce a comparable 25,000 MT of grapefruit-like citrus.
Japan’s grapefruit imports increased by 5.9% to 35,272 MT for 2023–24, with the United States supplying 5,539 MT or 16%. Following the United States losing the leading supplier position in 2016–17, U.S. market share has decreased primarily because of increased pricing for U.S. grapefruit. USDA FAS estimates Japan’s imports of U.S. grapefruit will dip to 5,000 MT for MY 2024–25.
South Africa has been the leading supplier of grapefruit to Japan after taking over from the United States in MY 2016–17. Given the estimated reduction for South African grapefruit exports in addition to the decrease in U.S. grapefruit production, Japan’s grapefruit imports are forecast to decrease 5.7% to 33,000 MT for 2024–25.
LEMONS AND LIMES
Total Japanese production of lemon and other flavorful acidic citrus are forecast at 53,000 MT in 2024–25, a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
Japan’s fresh lemon and lime imports are projected to increase 3% to 46,000 MT in 2024–25.
ORANGES AND MANDARINS
See a summary report on Japan’s expected orange and mandarin production here.
Source: USDA FAS
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