Tokyo: Some 2,105 food items in Japan are set to see price hikes in July, driven by surging raw material costs along with higher labor, logistics, and utility expenses, a report by Teikoku Databank indicates. As companies transfer these rising costs to consumers, the total number of food products expected to experience price increases in 2025 has reached 18,697 and may exceed 20,000 as early as July.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a survey of 195 major food manufacturers revealed that seasonings such as curry roux and soup stock account for the most price hikes, with 1,445 items affected. Confectionery items, including chocolates and gum, are also on the list, with some products seeing reduced content. Additionally, processed foods like rice products and pasta sauces are impacted by the price increases.

The most frequently cited reason for the hikes was higher raw material costs, followed by labor costs, marking the highest levels since data collection began in 2023. Teikoku Databank cautioned that further tensions in the Middle East could elevate crude oil, edible oil, and wheat prices, potentially leading to even broader price increases.