Japan expects higher potato and onion prices in April

Japan is forecasting higher prices for potatoes and onions in April 2026 as shipments remain constrained following earlier weather disruptions, while prices for leafy vegetables are expected to fall as supply recovers, according to a March 31 update from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

Supply

Potato and onion prices are projected to stay above the five-year average in April due to reduced availability from key production regions. Potato supply is currently dominated by Kagoshima, accounting for 64% of shipments, and Hokkaido with 31%, while onion shipments rely heavily on Hokkaido at 61% and Saga at 22%. Weather stress in these areas has slowed crop development and limited volumes entering wholesale markets.

In contrast, improved growing conditions since late February have increased shipments of leafy vegetables. Prices for products such as cabbage and lettuce are therefore expected to fall below average as spring harvests expand.

Regions

Regional concentration remains high across several vegetable categories. Kanagawa supplies 46% of cabbage shipments, followed by Aichi with 36% and Chiba with 15%, while Tokushima accounts for 81% of carrot shipments. For daikon, Chiba represents 78% of supply and Ibaraki 12%, underscoring the sector’s reliance on specific production areas.

MAFF noted that stabilising weather conditions in most regions are supporting recovery in vegetable growth, allowing supply to gradually normalise heading into late spring.

source and photo: maff.go.jp