According to USDA-FAS GAIN Report JA2021-0122 released August 31st, the chicken industry in Japan was impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza during the fourth quarter of 2020 extending into the first quarter of 2021with approximately 10 million birds depleted representing slightly less than one percent of annual broiler production.
FAS project that domestic production will increase by 0.8 percent in 2022 to 1.78 million metric tons of RTC compared to 1.765 million metric tons in 2021. Of total availability, 63 percent will be from domestic production and 37 percent from imports. Per capita consumption is estimated at 49 pounds.
There are approximately 2,180 broiler production units in Japan in 2021 ranging in annual output from less than 50,000 birds to 500,000 broilers per year. The median annual farm output ranges from 100,000 to 200,000 and the mean is 326,000 birds annually.
Producers benefit from a Ministry of Agriculture Food and Fisheries Stabilization Program that is worth approximately $90 per metric ton to compensate for increases in ingredient cost.
Out of available chicken, 53 percent is directed to food service, 40 percent to retail, 40 percent consumed by households and 7 percent for further processing. Consumption in 2021 was depressed by COVID restrictions that affected dine-in restaurants.
Annual average wholesale prices for domestic chicken in 2021 will range from $1.19 per lb. for breasts to $2.57 per lb. for boneless legs.
During 2021, imports of special further-processed cuts from Thailand were constrained by labor shortages caused by COVID infection among plant workers. During January through June 2021, Brazil supplied 200,000 metric tons of frozen product, China 75,000 metric tons, and Thailand 250,000 metric tons, of which 70 percent was classified as “prepared” to conform to the requirements of the market in Japan.