Japan: Cocoa Bean Market 2025

Cocoa Bean Market Size in Japan

In 2022, after five years of decline, there was significant growth in the Japanese cocoa bean market, when its value increased by 6.6% to $X. In general, consumption, however, recorded a noticeable slump. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Cocoa Bean Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2022, overseas shipments of cocoa beans decreased by -88.7% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. Overall, exports continue to indicate a abrupt decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 2,846% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cocoa bean exports dropped notably to $X in 2022. In general, exports showed a pronounced shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 3,140%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Belgium (X tons) was the main destination for cocoa bean exports from Japan, with a approx. 99% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Belgium stood at +183.8%.

In value terms, Belgium ($X) also remains the key foreign market for cocoa beans exports from Japan.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Belgium totaled +99.7%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average cocoa bean export price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 114% against the previous year. In general, the export price enjoyed a mild expansion. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Belgium.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Taiwan (Chinese) amounted to +49.3% per year.

Cocoa Bean Imports

Imports into Japan

After three years of decline, purchases abroad of cocoa beans increased by 16% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a mild reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 58%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cocoa bean imports expanded modestly to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 59%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Ghana (X tons) constituted the largest cocoa bean supplier to Japan, with a 75% share of total imports. Moreover, cocoa bean imports from Ghana exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Ecuador (X tons), sixfold. Venezuela (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 4.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Ghana totaled -1.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ecuador (+4.5% per year) and Venezuela (-7.5% per year).

In value terms, Ghana ($X) constituted the largest supplier of cocoa beans to Japan, comprising 71% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Ecuador ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Venezuela, with a 5.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Ghana amounted to -2.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ecuador (+4.3% per year) and Venezuela (-10.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average cocoa bean import price amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a mild decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the highest price was recorded for prices from the Dominican Republic ($X per ton) and Ecuador ($X per ton), while the price for Cote d'Ivoire ($X per ton) and Ghana ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Dominican Republic (+0.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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