Japan’s beef production, consumption, and imports are all forecast to decline in 2027, driven by shrinking cattle herds, fewer breeding farms, and thrift-driven demand shifts toward pork and chicken amid persistent inflation and a weakened yen. Rising production costs continue to squeeze margins despite higher carcass prices. Pork tells a different story: inventory and production are expected to remain stable in 2027, supported by solid demand and pork’s price advantage over beef. However, pork imports are set to slow following a sharp 2026 surge that left elevated stocks.