Shipments to Japan in 2018 increased 31 pct

In 2018, Ukrainian agri exports to Japan reached USD 112.7 million, 31.4 pct more than in 2017 (USD 85.8 million). This was informed by Olga Trofimtseva, acting Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, on her Facebook page.

“FOODEX 2019 exhibition has started in Tokyo, in which Ukraine was first presented with a national stand supported by FAO, EBRD. 16 Ukrainian producers are presented there. Japan is a very interesting market for us, especially in terms of the sectoral export strategy,” Olga Trofimtseva commented.

The top 5 export positions in 2018 included:

• tobacco products — USD 71.2 million (10.5 thou. tons);
• barley — USD 22.4 million (120.6 thou. tons);
  
• wheat and meslin (a mixture of wheat and rye) — USD 12.2 million (69.1 thou. tons);
• chocolate and cocoa products — USD 2.2 million (777 tons);
• tomatoes, processed or canned — USD 985 thou. (1.4 thou. tons).

“Japan imports significant volumes of food products every year, so Ukraine has every opportunity to be a strategic partner for Japan in terms of food security,” Olga Trofimtseva added.

The top 5 import products from Japan in 2018:

• essential oils — USD 4.5 million (140 tons);
• products for sauces and ready-made sauces production — USD 550 thou. (285 tons);
• alcohol — USD 289 thou. (11 tons);
• bakery and confectionery products — USD 180 thou. (22 tons);
• live and frozen fish — USD 163 thou. (49 tons).

In January 2019, exports of Ukrainian agricultural products increased by 23 pct (USD 321 million) and amounted to USD 1.7 billion.

The new infographic guide Agribusiness of Ukraine 2017/18 is available by the link.