Japan: Pumpkin Market 2025

Pumpkin Market Size in Japan

The Japanese pumpkin market shrank to $X in 2022, with a decrease of -6.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption showed a mild decline. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Pumpkin Production in Japan

In value terms, pumpkin production contracted modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the production volume increased by 32% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of pumpkin (squash and gourds) in Japan totaled X tons per ha in 2022, increasing by 3.3% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the yield increased by 16%. The pumpkin yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of pumpkin (squash and gourds) production in Japan reduced slightly to X ha, which is down by -2% compared with the previous year. Overall, the harvested area showed a mild slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the harvested area increased by 4.2%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to pumpkin production attained the maximum at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Pumpkin Exports

Exports from Japan

For the fourth year in a row, Japan recorded growth in shipments abroad of pumpkin (squash and gourds), which increased by 22% to X tons in 2022. Overall, exports enjoyed a strong expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 73%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, pumpkin exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total exports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +64.6% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 43%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Hong Kong SAR (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Singapore (X tons) were the main destinations of pumpkin exports from Japan, with a combined 99% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for South Korea (with a CAGR of +44.5%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Hong Kong SAR ($X) remains the key foreign market for pumpkin (squash and gourds) exports from Japan, comprising 73% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Korea ($X), with a 20% share of total exports. It was followed by Singapore, with a 4.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Hong Kong SAR amounted to +8.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (+34.0% per year) and Singapore (+2.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average pumpkin export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, shrinking by -4.1% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a pronounced slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 55%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Singapore ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to South Korea ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Singapore (+2.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Pumpkin Imports

Imports into Japan

Pumpkin imports into Japan dropped to X tons in 2022, waning by -8.9% compared with the year before. Over the period under review, imports showed a pronounced setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 9.1% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, pumpkin imports shrank to $X in 2022. In general, imports recorded a abrupt downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 9.4%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

New Zealand (X tons) and Mexico (X tons) were the main suppliers of pumpkin imports to Japan.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for New Zealand (with a CAGR of -3.5%).

In value terms, Mexico ($X) and New Zealand ($X) appeared to be the largest pumpkin suppliers to Japan.

Mexico, with a CAGR of -4.6%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average pumpkin import price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -4.3% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a slight curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by 8.3%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($X per ton), while the price for New Zealand stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by New Caledonia (+1.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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