Japan: Natural Polymers Market 2024

Natural Polymers Market Size in Japan

In 2021, the Japanese natural polymers market decreased by -1.1% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, the total consumption indicated a slight expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +40.6% against 2016 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Natural Polymers Production in Japan

In value terms, natural polymers production declined notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw slight growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 74% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Natural Polymers Exports

Exports from Japan

After four years of decline, shipments abroad of natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms increased by 8.4% to X tons in 2021. In general, total exports indicated a slight increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -37.5% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 70%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, natural polymers exports soared to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 24%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for natural polymers exports from Japan, accounting for a 22% share of total exports. Moreover, natural polymers exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the UK (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Bangladesh (X tons), with a 9.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States stood at -5.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+18.7% per year) and Bangladesh (+91.4% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms exports from Japan, comprising 32% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Korea ($X), with an 8.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Italy, with a 6.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States amounted to +2.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (+4.1% per year) and Italy (+10.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average natural polymers export price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 6.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, natural polymers export price increased by +104.3% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 an increase of 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to South Korea (+8.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Natural Polymers Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2021, overseas purchases of natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms decreased by -3.1% 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 +3.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 25% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, natural polymers imports totaled $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 5.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), France (X tons) and South Korea (X tons) were the main suppliers of natural polymers imports to Japan, together comprising 82% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for France (with a CAGR of +28.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest natural polymers suppliers to Japan were the United States ($X), China ($X) and France ($X), together accounting for 72% of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, France, with a CAGR of +15.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average natural polymers import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 6.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the average import price increased by 8.3%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for South Korea ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+0.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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