Japan: Unmanufactured Tobacco Market 2025

Unmanufactured Tobacco Market Size in Japan

The Japanese unmanufactured tobacco market shrank dramatically to $X in 2022, falling by -32.3% against the previous year. Overall, consumption recorded a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 2.5%. Unmanufactured tobacco consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Unmanufactured Tobacco Production in Japan

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco production declined slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production showed a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 19%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of tobacco (unmanufactured) in Japan reduced to X tons per ha in 2022, waning by -5.2% compared with 2021. Overall, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 12% against the previous year. The unmanufactured tobacco yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2019; however, from 2020 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 unmanufactured tobacco harvested area in Japan reached X ha, surging by 3.7% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, showed a pronounced contraction. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to unmanufactured tobacco production reached the maximum at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Unmanufactured Tobacco Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2022, unmanufactured tobacco exports from Japan surged to X tons, jumping by 268% compared with the year before. Over the period under review, exports saw a measured increase. The exports peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, exports saw a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 622%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

France (X tons), the Philippines (X tons) and Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) were the main destinations of unmanufactured tobacco exports from Japan, together accounting for 97% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Philippines (with a CAGR of +923.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the Philippines ($X) remains the key foreign market for tobacco (unmanufactured) exports from Japan, comprising 64% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 17% share of total exports. It was followed by Belgium, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the Philippines amounted to +1,116.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+0.9% per year) and Belgium (+57.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average unmanufactured tobacco export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -36.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the average export price increased by 679%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2021, and then dropped remarkably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to France ($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 Belgium (+60.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Unmanufactured Tobacco Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2022, supplies from abroad of tobacco (unmanufactured) decreased by -2% to X tons, falling for the ninth year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a abrupt decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 5.2% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, unmanufactured tobacco imports reduced dramatically to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 0.3%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil (X tons), the United States (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons) were the main suppliers of unmanufactured tobacco imports to Japan, together comprising 67% of total imports. India, Zimbabwe, Zambia, China, Turkey, Malawi, Italy, Greece and Argentina lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 27%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Zimbabwe (with a CAGR of +14.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Brazil ($X), the United States ($X) and Tanzania ($X) appeared to be the largest unmanufactured tobacco suppliers to Japan, together comprising 69% of total imports. India, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Turkey, Greece, China, Malawi, Italy and Argentina lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 25%.

Zimbabwe, with a CAGR of +16.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average unmanufactured tobacco import price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -24.8% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a pronounced downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the average import price increased by 8.5% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Greece ($X per ton), while the price for India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zimbabwe (+1.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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