Pork demand in Japan is expected to remain steady, so most producers are forecast to maintain current production levels. In the first half of 2026, pig slaughter was slightly above the previous year’s level, while pork production also increased marginally.
Pig carcase prices were above the five-year average for most of the period and at times even exceeded 2025 levels, when prices were exceptionally high. Domestic production accounts for around half of Japan’s pork consumption, while steady demand for locally produced pork continues to support prices.
At the same time, production costs are rising. According to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the production cost per marketed pig in 2024 was ¥45,807 ($295.53), while the average selling price for an animal weighing 116.4 kg was ¥45,937 ($296.36).
Feed accounts for around 66% of production costs, and feed prices rose sharply in late 2025 and throughout 2026. According to FAS/Tokyo, production costs in 2025–2026 may have equalled or even exceeded live pig selling prices.
The number of pig farms in Japan declined by 8% compared with the previous survey as of 1 February 2024, while the total pig population remained almost unchanged.
The ageing of farm owners and a lack of successors are among the reasons smaller farms are leaving the sector. Around 70% of Japan’s pigs are now kept on farms with 3,000 head or more, and consolidation of medium-sized operations into larger production structures is expected to continue.
PigUA.info, based on materials from thepigsite.com