Durian , papaya , kiwifruit , and mango imports to Japan all experienced modest decreases in 1997, largely due to the struggling Japanese economy and sluggish consumer demand for these fresh fruit products deemed as luxury items. The general market consensus is that the status of the Japanese economy, which is a leader in Asia as well as the world, will improve. Some indications suggest conditions will pick up by the end of 1998. Importers to the inviting Japanese produce market have been patient the last two years as the economy has struggled and consumer demand for their fresh produce has decreased. Importers are poised to realize greater profits in the future as liberalized trading policies and a less competitive domestic farming sector open the door to new opportunities in Japan.
Japanese consumers appear to be buying new products including more exotic fruits and vegetables.
The future in produce imports may prosper in this direction, as the Japanese look for fresh fruits and vegetables that are new and tasty. It is clear that Japan will see higher import volumes in the years to come as domestic agricultural production falls by the wayside. Foreign producers will be challenged to provide high quality fresh fruits and vegetables at low, competitive prices. This site was designed by Fintrac Inc. , under the auspices of the Asia Regional Agribusiness Project and through the sponsorship of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture .