Japan tea exports reached their strongest level in more than seventy years, signaling a major shift in global demand. Japan tea exports now benefit from rising matcha popularity and favorable currency conditions.
Exports of green tea climbed sharply during the first ten months of the year. Government and industry data confirmed a significant year-on-year increase. Between January and October, overseas shipments totaled just over 10,000 metric tons. This figure represented a growth rate exceeding forty percent.
The United States ranked as the largest overseas buyer. American importers received more than 3,400 tons during the period. Taiwan followed as the second-largest destination. Thailand and Germany also recorded strong import volumes.
Industry officials attribute the surge to booming global interest in matcha powder. Health-conscious consumers increasingly seek antioxidant-rich Japanese products.
Additionally, the weak yen improved price competitiveness abroad. As a result, Japanese exporters gained a cost advantage in foreign markets. Green tea exports have now expanded for nine consecutive years. This trend highlights sustained overseas enthusiasm for Japanese food culture.
However, export volumes once exceeded current levels in the mid-twentieth century. In 1954, shipments peaked at more than 11,500 tons. Subsequently, global tastes shifted toward Chinese tea varieties. Consequently, Japanese exports remained subdued for decades.
Recent momentum reflects changing consumer preferences. Matcha now features prominently in beverages, desserts, and wellness products. Domestic conditions contrast sharply with export success. Demand for green tea inside Japan continues to weaken.
Younger consumers increasingly prefer coffee and bottled drinks. Therefore, traditional brewed tea consumption has declined steadily. At the same time, tea leaf production has contracted. Farmers face labor shortages and an aging workforce.
In 2024, total tea leaf output reached roughly 74,000 tons. That level marked a decline of more than ten percent over ten years. Despite lower production, tea leaf prices have risen sharply. Reduced supply pushed costs higher for processors and beverage companies.
In Kagoshima, a major tea-producing prefecture, prices surged dramatically. Leaves harvested in autumn fetched record levels. Agricultural cooperatives reported prices exceeding 2,500 yen per kilogram. That figure represented a sixfold annual increase. Producers benefit from stronger margins but face capacity constraints. Many farms struggle to expand output quickly.
Meanwhile, beverage companies rely increasingly on stable import demand. Export revenue helps offset domestic sales weakness. Experts expect overseas demand to remain robust. Matcha consumption continues growing across North America and Europe. Additionally, tourism promotion supports brand recognition abroad. Visitors often develop lasting preferences for Japanese tea products.
However, supply challenges may limit future growth. Policymakers now consider measures to support tea farmers. These measures may include subsidies, automation incentives, and workforce programs. Officials aim to preserve rural agricultural communities. Looking ahead, exporters plan product diversification. Premium matcha and organic varieties offer higher profit potential.
Japan tea exports illustrate how traditional industries can adapt successfully. Japan tea exports also reflect broader shifts in global consumer habits.
