This paper analyses whether it is profitable as well as what challenges and opportunities may arise by exporting a lactose free UHT milk from Finland to Japan. This will be conducted on a basis of political, economic, geo- and demographical, cultural and business habits and circumstances.
In a time of globalization and more intense competition than ever, trading relations between parties have become a common basis to provide goods and services. Especially the agricultural trading sector has increased steadily. For instance, in the EU the export of animal products has grown for about 131 % between 2002 and 2016. When combing this with another global trend, the increasing awareness of a healthy diet, new market opportunities can be detected. Exemplary cases of the trend include the increasing number of vegetarians, vegans or the usage of supplementary food such as lactose free milk.
Table of Contents
- Exporting lactose free UHT milk from Finland to Japan
- Political aspects
- Economic aspects
- Geo- and demographical aspects
- Cultural aspects
- Business aspects
- Recommendations
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the profitability and challenges of exporting lactose-free UHT milk from Finland to Japan. It examines the feasibility of this venture by considering political, economic, geographical, demographic, cultural, and business factors.
- The political landscape and trade agreements between the EU and Japan.
- The economic viability of exporting lactose-free milk to Japan, considering market demand and economic indicators.
- The impact of geographical and demographic factors, including population density, natural hazards, and demographic change.
- Cultural factors influencing consumer preferences and consumption patterns in Japan.
- The business environment in Japan and the challenges for foreign companies.
Chapter Summaries
Political aspects: This section examines Japan's participation in international agreements like the UN, WTO, and OECD, highlighting the importance of established standards for facilitating international trade. The strengthening relationship between the EU and Japan, particularly the upcoming Free Trade Agreement, is discussed, emphasizing the potential for reduced customs and increased trade. The current subsidized and protected nature of Japan's agricultural sector, along with existing EU customs to Japan, is also noted as a significant factor.
Economic aspects: This chapter analyzes Japan's economic standing as the world's third-largest economy, noting its steady GDP growth and purchasing power. The EU's role as Japan's fourth-largest trading partner and Japan's position as a major global food importer are highlighted. The chapter discusses the EU's significant milk production and its potential for growth, contrasting this with Japan's relatively low milk consumption compared to other dairy products or Western countries. The impact of natural hazards on milk production and the steady consumption of milk in Japan (between 2013 and 2017) are also addressed.
Geo- and demographical aspects: This section details Japan's population density and geographic vulnerabilities, including its susceptibility to natural hazards and the impact of climate change on agriculture. The chapter focuses on Japan's rapidly aging population, declining birth rates, and high life expectancy. The trend toward urbanization, with young people migrating to cities for better opportunities, is also explored. This demographic shift has potential implications for the demand and distribution of the product.
Cultural aspects: This chapter emphasizes Japan's health-conscious population and its preference for high-quality, organic, and fair-trade products. The importance of freshness and origin is discussed, along with the growing trend towards Western food and consumption habits, particularly among young people. The traditional Japanese cuisine's lack of milk products and the high rate of lactose intolerance (97.5%) in the population are highlighted as crucial factors impacting the market for lactose-free milk. The willingness to try new products as dietary supplements or to combat allergies is also considered.
Business aspects: This section examines Japan's attractiveness for foreign companies while acknowledging the differences between Japanese and European business cultures. The importance of paternalism, personalism, and collectivism in Japanese business practices, alongside the recent trend toward individualism, is discussed. The chapter also notes Japan's ranking in terms of ease of doing business, highlighting bureaucratic challenges, costly regulations, and language barriers as potential obstacles for foreign companies. This section is crucial to understanding the operational considerations that go beyond merely the demand and supply side.
Keywords
Lactose-free UHT milk, export, Finland, Japan, political aspects, economic aspects, geographical factors, demographics, cultural factors, business environment, EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement, market analysis, international trade, consumer behavior, dairy industry, globalization, health consciousness.
FAQ: Exporting Lactose-Free UHT Milk from Finland to Japan
What is the main topic of this document?
This document is a comprehensive preview analyzing the feasibility and challenges of exporting lactose-free UHT milk from Finland to Japan. It examines various factors influencing this venture, including political, economic, geographical, demographic, cultural, and business aspects.
What are the key objectives of this analysis?
The main objective is to assess the profitability and challenges associated with exporting lactose-free UHT milk from Finland to Japan. It aims to determine the viability of this business venture by considering a wide range of factors impacting its success.
What key themes are explored in the document?
The key themes revolve around the political landscape and trade agreements between the EU and Japan, the economic viability of the export, the influence of geographical and demographic factors, cultural preferences impacting consumer demand, and the challenges of operating within the Japanese business environment.
What political aspects are considered?
The analysis examines Japan's participation in international agreements (UN, WTO, OECD), the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement's potential impact, and the influence of Japan's subsidized and protected agricultural sector on market entry.
What economic aspects are discussed?
The document explores Japan's economic strength, its role as a major food importer, the EU's milk production capacity, Japan's relatively low milk consumption, and the effects of natural hazards on milk production.
How are geographical and demographic factors addressed?
The analysis considers Japan's population density, geographical vulnerabilities (natural hazards, climate change), its aging population, declining birth rates, high life expectancy, and urbanization trends, and their impact on product demand and distribution.
What cultural aspects are relevant to this export venture?
The document highlights Japan's preference for high-quality products, the importance of freshness and origin, the growing trend towards Western food habits, the high rate of lactose intolerance in Japan (97.5%), and the willingness to try new products for health reasons.
What business aspects are examined?
The analysis assesses Japan's attractiveness for foreign companies, the differences between Japanese and European business cultures (paternalism, personalism, collectivism vs. individualism), bureaucratic challenges, regulations, and language barriers.
What are the key takeaways or recommendations?
Specific recommendations are not explicitly listed in this preview, but the comprehensive analysis of political, economic, geographical, demographic, cultural, and business aspects provides a strong foundation for formulating informed recommendations regarding the feasibility and potential success of exporting lactose-free UHT milk from Finland to Japan.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include: Lactose-free UHT milk, export, Finland, Japan, political aspects, economic aspects, geographical factors, demographics, cultural factors, business environment, EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement, market analysis, international trade, consumer behavior, dairy industry, globalization, health consciousness.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2018, Exporting lactose free UHT milk from Finland to Japan. Challenges and opportunities, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/934293
