Japan's fruit import volumes held steady in 2024, totalling 1.599 million tonnes, a slight increase from 1.593 million tonnes in 2023, as the Ministry of Finance reported. Although these volumes remain below the ten-year average of 1.649 million tonnes, the total import value soared to a record ¥334 billion (US$2.157 billion), primarily driven by the weak yen.

Bananas unquestionably dominated the imports, constituting 65.1% of the total. Pineapples followed at 9.8%, kiwifruit at 7.2%, oranges at 4.7%, and avocados at 3%. Collectively, these five fruits accounted for a substantial 89.9% of total fresh fruit imports. Over the past decade, banana and pineapple volumes have remained stable, while kiwifruit has proven its growth potential, starkly contrasting with the declines seen in other fruit categories like oranges and grapes.

In 2024, Japan imported 1.041 million tonnes of bananas, with the Philippines retaining its dominance as the primary supplier. However, new contenders, including Vietnam and Laos, are making their mark and actively entering the market. Pineapple imports decreased by 4% to 157,000 tonnes, but Taiwan notably increased its market share to 12.2%, following the loss of its China market in 2020. Kiwifruit imports reached an impressive nearly 116,000 tonnes, making it the only fruit category to experience growth, with total imports valued at ¥59 billion (US$384 million). Orange imports surged 9% to 75,397 tonnes, predominantly supplied by Australia and the US. In stark contrast, avocado imports plummeted by 22%, falling to 48,870 tonnes.