In 2019, Japanese production of forage crops accounted for 77 percent of demand. Japan imports approximately 2.5 million tons of hay and straw annually to supplement domestic production, which is constrained by labor shortages and suitable climate conditions. The United States is the leading supplier of hay and straw products to Japan and accounted for approximately 63 percent of imports in 2019. Japanese demand for hay and straw imports is forecast to remain stable.