Ginger Market Overview in Japan

For the fourth consecutive year, the Japanese ginger market recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by -% to $ in 2018. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +% over the period from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2008 with an increase of % against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $ in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2018, consumption remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, ginger production skyrocketed to $ in 2018 estimated in export prices. In general, production, however, continues to indicate prominent growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2010 with an increase of % y-o-y. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $ in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2018, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2018, the average ginger yield in Japan stood at tonnes per ha, almost unchanged from the previous year. Over the period under review, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of % y-o-y. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of tonnes per ha. From 2017 to 2018, the growth of the average ginger 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.

The ginger harvested area in Japan contracted modestly to ha in 2018, with a decrease of -% on the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2009 with an increase of % against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of ha. From 2010 to 2018, the growth of the ginger harvested area remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2018, the amount of ginger consumed in Japan dropped modestly to tonnes, which is down by -% on the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a slight descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of % y-o-y. Over the period under review, consumption reached the maximum volume at tonnes in 2008; however, from 2009 to 2018, consumption failed to regain the momentum.

The revenue of the ginger market in Japan shrank modestly to $ in 2018, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +% from 2007 to 2018; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008 when the market value increased by % y-o-y. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $ in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2018, consumption failed to regain the momentum.

Depressed by shrinking demand for ginger in Japan, the market is expected to continue its downward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to contract with an anticipated CAGR of -% for the period from 2018 to , which is projected to depress the market volume to tonnes by the end of .

In 2018, the share of imports in total consumption accounted for % in value terms and % in physical terms. The share of imports decreased moderately (- percentage point) over the period under review.

Japan remains a net importer of ginger; in physical and value terms, imports consistently exceeded exports from 2007 to 2018. In 2018, there was a significant trade deficit of tonnes, which was equal to $. This tangible trade deficit reflects the fact that the market remains dependent on imports, which is likely to continue in the medium term.