Exports: Matcha boom drives Japan's food exports to record high

Tokyo - Japan's food exports have soared to record levels driven by a surge in demand for green tea, according to the country's Ministry of Agriculture. In the first half of the year, agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products saw a 10.9% increase, reaching 897.7 billion yen (around five billion euros) compared to the same period last year.

While ruminant meat, apples, and rice saw demand, green tea exports jumped by a massive 83.5%. Known for its health benefits, green tea has gained popularity in western countries, particularly in powdered form (Matcha). The Ministry cited the growing global interest in Japanese cuisine, heightened interest in Japanese products due to increased tourism, and a rising health consciousness as reasons for this trend.

The United States is the largest market, with exports increasing by 15.3% to 162.6 billion yen. China also saw an increase in shipments, despite Beijing continuing to maintain import restrictions on Japanese seafood. Japan is actively seeking to reduce its dependence on China by tapping into new Asian and US markets.