High June prices expected to ease for some Japanese vegetables in July

Prices for several vegetables in Japan remained well above seasonal levels in late June, although improved supplies are expected to ease pressure during the second half of July.

At the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market, cucumbers averaged ¥370 per kg ($2.29/kg) on 23 June, 42% above the five-year average. Large tomatoes reached ¥449 per kg ($2.78/kg), 38% above average, while broccoli stood at ¥562 per kg ($3.48/kg), 23% higher. Potato prices were 19% above normal at ¥190 per kg ($1.18/kg).

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries expects cucumber, tomato, green pepper and potato prices to remain somewhat above normal during the first half of July. Supplies should recover later in the month as shipments increase from northern production areas.

Broccoli prices are forecast to stay above normal throughout July despite increased planting in Hokkaido and Nagano.

By contrast, onion prices are expected to remain below average. Onions traded at ¥129 per kg ($0.80/kg) on 23 June, 13% below their five-year seasonal level.

MAFF expects prices for carrots, cabbage, spinach, leeks, lettuce, aubergines and taro to remain within 90–110% of their five-year averages. The ministry did not provide exact July shipment volumes or price projections.

source: maff.go.jp

photo: MAFF via facebook