In Japan, vegetable prices have experienced a notable rise, attributed to adverse weather conditions and increased production costs. Data from the Internal Affairs Ministry reveals that January saw a 36% year-on-year increase in fresh vegetable prices. Cabbage and Chinese cabbage prices escalated by approximately three and two times, respectively.
The ministry and other sources indicate that insufficient rainfall has contributed to this surge in vegetable prices. The demand for Chinese cabbage increased as it became a substitute for cabbage, whose prices remained high. In December, the rise in Chinese cabbage prices was 55.7%, with January reflecting an accelerated pace.
The impact of rising production costs is also evident in the prepared food sector, where there is a trend of transferring these costs to retail prices, consequently affecting household budgets.
Source: The Japan Times
