TOKYO, JAPAN – Japan remains one of the most important overseas markets for U.S. agriculture, purchasing $14.7 billion in American agricultural and related products during 2025.
USDA says Japan ranked as the third-largest single-country market for U.S. agricultural exports, behind Mexico and Canada. The United States supplied about 18 percent of Japan’s agricultural imports, including corn, wheat, soybeans, beef, pork, dairy and processed foods.
Japan’s dependence on imported food remains a major part of that demand. The country produces only about 37 percent of its food on a calorie basis, while its farm population continues shrinking and the average farmer age has climbed above 68.
USDA says American agricultural exports to Japan support more than 81,000 U.S. jobs across farming, processing, transportation and related industries. Japan also remains the largest U.S. consumer-oriented food market in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite a declining population, USDA expects Japan’s reliance on imported food and preference for high-quality products to preserve opportunities for U.S. agricultural exporters.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Japan remains a stable high-value customer for U.S. grains, livestock products and processed foods.