Japanese media reports that the rising price of domestic vegetables is causing increased household expenditure. Against the backdrop of these developments, the import volume of leafy vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, cabbage, and lettuce shows a stable increase.
The Japanese Ministry of Finance announced on February 27th that the data (deterministic value) for trade in January shows that the import volume of Chinese cabbage increased 7.8 times compared to the same period in the previous year. The import volume of cabbage increased 5.8 times, and the import volume of lettuce 1.9 times. Vegetable processing enterprises and restaurants are currently increasing their purchases.
The report further states that the price of vegetables and leafy vegetables produced in Japan is in its highest position and is not coming down. Data from a report by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shows that the retail price (national average between February 12th and 14th) of cabbage, lettuce, and Chinese cabbage is 1.8 to 2.3 times higher than in previous years (price average over the last five years). The volume of vegetables that entered the market was insufficient because of typhoons and long periods of rain after October 2017 and low temperatures after November 2017.
Apart from this, the Chinese cabbage import volume in January was 2,213 tons, which is an increase of 7.8 times compared with the same period in the previous year.
The import volume of cabbage increased 5.8 times and reached a total of 13,605 tons. A spokesperson for import trade company LY stated that "the volume of pre-ordered cabbages from China is 3 times higher than in previous years."
Source: people.com.cn