JAPAN DATA: Yen depreciation spurs beef imports in Dec; chicken and pork face challenges

Beef

Japan's beef imports totaled 43,015 metric tons in December 2025, a 9.7% increase year over year and an 11.1% month-over-month increase, according to data published by the Agriculture and Livestock Industries Corporation, a government agency.

According to a local importer, the surge in volumes was mainly driven by the yen's depreciation in November and December, prompting importers to rush their goods through customs to avoid higher duties.

The importer added that heightened demand for Christmas and New Year celebrations may have contributed to the higher import volume, though the overall increase remained modest.

Australia remained the largest supplier of beef to Japan, exporting 24,912 mt in December, up 32.4% year-over-year and 20.9% on the month, ALIC data showed. It accounted for 57.9% of Japan's total beef imports.

The year-over-year increase in beef imported from Australia was mainly driven by the increase in loin (up 25.8%) and other cuts (up 50.9%).

Imports from the US were down 12.8% year on year and 3.0% on the month to 12,968 mt, constituting 30.2% of the country's total imports.

According to the local importer, the decline in US beef imports was mainly caused by high US beef prices and limited export capacity due to a small cattle herd, leading importers to turn to Australia for supply.

Imports from New Zealand and other countries showed substantial year-over-year declines, with reductions of 12.4% and 35.6%, respectively.

In contrast, total beef imports from Canada were up 18.6% year on year. Specifically, imports of Canadian frozen and fresh or chilled beef rose by 7.9% and 55.5% year over year to 1,878 mt and 790 mt, respectively. Likewise, Australian frozen beef imports increased by 32.3% year over year to 15,563 mt, ALIC data showed.

Japan's total beef imports data by countries of origin (mt)

Source: Japanese Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation

Chicken

Japan's frozen chicken meat imports in December totaled 45,351 mt, down 9% year on year but up 5% month on month, according to ALIC data. The annual decline was led by persistently low export volumes from Brazil.

Imports from all major suppliers declined on a yearly basis except for Thailand, which saw a 13% year-on-year and 17% month-on-month increase to 16,789 mt, accounting for 37% of Japan's overall imports.

Increased demand for Thai chicken was primarily driven by low domestic inventory amid reduced Brazilian supply, Japan-based importers said.

However, challenges persist for Thailand's broiler exports in the near term due to processing capacity constraints, resulting in shipment delays, according to multiple Asian importers.

Brazil retained its position as Japan's leading supplier, shipping 28,219 mt and accounting for 62% of total imports. Imports from Brazil were 18% lower year on year but up 2% month on month.

Brazilian exports of boneless chicken legs -- Japan's most favored cut -- were consistently below the desired 35,000-40,000 mt volume for most of 2025, local importers said, adding that current stock levels would further boost demand and support prices.

Imports from the US declined 68% year on year and 52% month on month to 317 mt, remaining much lower compared to other suppliers. Imports from other countries totaled just 26 mt, a 49% year-on-year decrease.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed the CFR North Asia chicken leg price at $3,110/mt on Feb. 9 for March-April cargoes to Tokyo, up $160/mt, or 5%, month on month.

Japan's chicken imports by origin in selected months (mt)

Source: Japanese Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation

Ending stocks

Estimated ending stocks for December stood at 148,032 mt, down 10% year on year, ALIC data showed. Imported chicken meat accounted for 111,656 mt (75% of the total), a 17% year-on-year and 8% month-on-month decrease, while domestic stocks rose 23% year on year and 3% month on month to 36,376 mt (25%).

Japanese market participants are monitoring for potential further declines in January's imported chicken ending stocks, with tight inventory levels expected to persist in the near term.

Japan's estimated chicken ending stocks in selected months (mt)

Source: Japanese Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation

Pork

Japan's frozen pork imports totaled of 33,676 mt in December, down 20 % year-over-year but edging up by 789 mt from November, according to ALIC data.

The annual decline was driven by weak pork demand and broader macroeconomic factors, according to market sources.

Total pork imports in December rose by 3,045 mt from the previous month to reach 68,313 mt. The increase was driven primarily by chilled pork, which grew 12.3 % month‑on‑month to 34,540 mt.

The surge in chilled imports was largely due to higher shipments from Canada -- which were up 13 % from 17,316 mt to 19,681 mt -- and Mexico, which rise 24 % from 3,457 mt to 4,286 mt.

A Japanese industry source noted that the domestic pork market is currently experiencing sluggish demand, with buyers hesitant to replenish stocks. Consequently, offer prices for pork bellies are around Yen 900/kg ($5.80/kg) or higher, which is very expensive.

Japan's frozen pork imports by origin in selected months (mt)

Source: Japanese Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation

Japan's chilled pork imports by origin in selected months (mt)

Source: Japanese Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation