Japan: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in Japan

In 2021, the Japanese lamb and sheep meat market decreased by -0.5% to $X, falling for the third year in a row after three years of growth. In general, the total consumption indicated measured growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -7.3% against 2018 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in Japan

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +75.7% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 20%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

The average yield of lamb and sheep meat in Japan reduced modestly to X kg per head in 2021, remaining constant against 2020. Overall, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the yield increased by 6.2% against the previous year. The lamb and sheep meat yield peaked at X kg per head in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the yield failed to regain momentum.

The number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in Japan reached X heads in 2021, growing by 3.8% on the previous year's figure. This number increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. As a result, the number of animals produced attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports from Japan

In 2021, shipments abroad of lamb and sheep meat decreased by 0% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 614%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports amounted to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 44% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Hong Kong SAR (X tons) was the main destination for lamb and sheep meat exports from Japan, accounting for a approx. 27% share of total exports.

From 2015 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Hong Kong SAR was relatively modest.

From 2015 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Hong Kong SAR was relatively modest.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lamb and sheep meat export price amounted to $X per ton, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the average export price decreased by -59%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2015 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the Netherlands amounted to 0.0% per year.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports into Japan

In 2021, purchases abroad of lamb and sheep meat decreased by -9.6% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after three years of growth. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 12%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports stood at $X in 2021. Overall, total imports indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -4.1% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 29% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Australia (X tons) and New Zealand (X tons) were the main suppliers of lamb and sheep meat imports to Japan.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for New Zealand (with a CAGR of +1.8%).

In value terms, the largest lamb and sheep meat suppliers to Japan were Australia ($X) and New Zealand ($X).

New Zealand, with a CAGR of +6.2%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

The average lamb and sheep meat import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 12% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.2%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the average import price increased by 15%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Australia ($X per ton), while the price for New Zealand stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by New Zealand (+4.3%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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