Japan's Food Exports Hit Record High as Green Tea and Yellowtail Lead Growth

Japan’s agricultural, forestry, fishery and food exports hit a record in the first half of 2026, reaching 897.7 billion yen, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). That represents a 10.9% year-on-year increase (January–June) and the highest first-half total on record. Growth was led by green tea, yellowtail (buri), beef, apples and Japanese seasonings. The United States remained the top destination at 162.6 billion yen (+15.3%), followed by Hong Kong (110 billion yen), China (94 billion yen) and Taiwan (88.2 billion yen). Vietnam recorded the fastest growth among major markets at +35.4%.