From Jan 2027 data, Japan's trade statistics add 9 export categories incl. packaged rice and instant miso soup
Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) says nine food items, including packaged cooked rice, instant miso soup and ramune-style carbonated drinks, will be tracked separately in the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics starting with January 2027 data. Until now these goods were not clearly visible in the figures. Food businesses weighing exports will get better data on destinations, values and volumes.
Key points
- New export statistical subcategories take effect with the January 2027 data in the Ministry of Finance trade statistics
- The nine items: packaged cooked rice, carbonated drinks, processed soy sauce products, instant miso soup, frozen pizza and frozen takoyaki, konjac, shucked oysters, fried oysters, and dried scallop adductors
- Destinations, values and volumes for these items can be grasped more accurately
Background
MAFF aims for ¥5 trillion in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and food exports by 2030, and uses trade statistics to analyze exports item by item and plan measures.
The current statistics could not accurately capture items such as packaged rice and instant miso soup. MAFF held discussions with food companies and industry groups to identify high-demand items with export potential, which led to the new subcategories.
What it means for shops
For makers, wholesalers and online sellers of these products, destination-by-destination trends should become easier to check from 2027. The data will only appear after the change takes effect, so nothing is visible yet, but it is a cue to prepare for market selection and sales materials.
What shops should do
- Check which of the nine items your products fall under, using MAFF's announcement
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Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.