Japan’s pork demand holds firm amid inflation in 2025
Steady demand, shifting habits support stable outlook
21 April 2025
1 minute read
By: Japan’s pork consumption is set to hold steady in 2025, with FAS/Tokyo forecasting no major changes from 2024 levels. Pork remains a staple in daily meals, favoured for its affordability as inflation pressures continue to shape consumer choices, according to a recent market report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service post in Tokyo.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, per capita retail pork sales (excluding preserved products) were 7.6 kg in both 2023 and 2024. While prices rose 2% last year, consumers adjusted by opting for cheaper cuts without reducing overall volume.
The hotel, restaurant, and institutional sector also leaned into pork. Sales at Chinese restaurants—many featuring pork-heavy menus—climbed 11% in 2024, with customer numbers up 6%, outpacing the segment's 4% average growth.
