Featured Data Additions, October 22, 2025

JAPANR → Production → Rice Yield

Rice and wheat agricultural statistics for Japan were added to the JAPANR database. Metrics covering cultivated area reported in hectares and yields reported in kilograms and metric tons are available for Japan and 47 regions. These annual data are sourced from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and begin as early as 2005.

Chart: A rice shortage in Japan caused a national crisis earlier this year as prices soared to record highs. Record high temperatures could curb the country’s rice harvest, threatening to create additional shortages and fresh price spikes. The USDA, which produces global crop forecasts, currently estimates Japan’s 2025 rice production at 7.28 million tons. While that’s almost steady with a year earlier, it would mark the smallest crop since 2003.

EMERGEPR → China → Financial → Capital Markets and Asset Management → Capital Markets → Northbound Bond Trading Statistics

Northbound Bond Connect trading statistics were added to the EMERGEPR database. This program allows overseas investors to trade debt securities in China through a market infrastructure linkage with Hong Kong. Series include trading volume, average daily trading volume, number of approved investors, and number of trading tickets. These monthly data are sourced from Bond Connect Company Limited and start in April 2018.

Chart: Since China introduced Northbound bond trading in 2017, its financial market has seen substantial growth in foreign investment, increasing investor access and deepening financial integration. In 2024, trading volumes totaled 10.4 trillion yuan, and the average daily trading volume has remained consistently high in 2025, averaging 46 billion yuan in the first half of 2025. The latest trading volume figure was 750.1 billion yuan, and the monthly average daily turnover stood at 35.7 billion.

JAPAN → Financial → Money, Banking and Credit → Consumer Financing by Credit Card

Credit card transaction statistics for Japan were added to the JAPAN database. These series complement the existing credit card series reported in yen. Additions include total number of transactions, single installment payoffs and multiple installment transactions. These monthly series are sourced from the Japan Consumer Credit Association and begin in April 2017.

Chart: Japan has been steadily transitioning away from cash toward credit cards and other cashless payments. Total credit card transactions have increased by 90% over the last 5 years and 160% since 2017. In July 2025, 95.5% of credit card transactions were one-time full payments, which is the default practice in Japan and reflects Japanese consumers’ general aversion to credit card debt and high interest fees associated with revolving payments.