Japan’s citrus sector faces continuing structural decline driven by aging producers, labor shortages, and reduced orchard maintenance, resulting in lower mandarin and orange production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 and a modest recovery expected for MY 2025/26. Weaker domestic mandarin supplies will temporarily increase the demand for imported citrus—especially U.S. oranges and grapefruit— although it will diminish as domestic production rebounds. Japanese consumer preferences tend toward domestically grown lemons and sour-type Japanese citrus varieties that may impact future demand patterns for imported lemons and limes. U.S. exporters remain well positioned because of established distribution channels and consistent product quality, though international competitors continue to influence seasonal imports.