Exports to Japan reached $2.2 million in first half of 2025, up 59% year-over-year.
Nousbo accounted for 93% of South Korea’s total urea fertilizer (HS CODE 3102.10) exports to Japan in 2024.
Nousbo continues to expand its presence in the Japanese market, recording strong growth in fertilizer exports. In the first half of 2025, exports to Japan reached approximately $2.2 million, representing a 59% increase compared to the same period last year. Urea fertilizer (HS CODE 3102.10) made up the majority of shipments at $2.16 million, up 60%, while other fertilizer products totaled $40,000, increasing by 34%.
This growth follows several years of field testing of Nousbo’s high-performance Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF) in Japan. The products have been well received for their consistent quality and environmentally friendly performance, leading to a significant increase in demand beginning in 2024.
As a result, Nousbo now supplies nearly all Korean urea fertilizer imported into Japan. According to a 2024 market report by KOTRA, Korea exported $3.85 million worth of urea (HS CODE 3102.10) to Japan. Of that amount, Nousbo’s coated urea accounted for an estimated 93%, further strengthening the company’s position as a trusted fertilizer partner in the region.
This export performance highlights the growing recognition of Nousbo’s technology in Japan’s agricultural sector. In early 2025, Nousbo signed a five-year supply agreement worth approximately KRW 280 billion with ITOCHU, one of Japan’s largest general trading companies, to provide advanced Controlled Release Fertilizers. In addition to Japan, further export expansion is underway. Shipments to China (second round) and specialized fertilizers for Malaysian oil palm cultivation are scheduled for July.
The success in Japan is driven not only by price competitiveness but also by innovative products like sigmoid-type Controlled Release Fertilizers, which help reduce environmental impact by controlling nutrient release. Moving forward, Nousbo plans to strengthen its product lineup tailored to Japan’s agricultural needs and continue building its presence in major Asian markets through high-value fertilizer solutions.
