Asia-Pacific · country guide
Trade with Japan.
Japan is a high-value manufacturing economy that imports most of its energy, much of its food and many industrial raw materials. Buyers are exacting on specification and documentation, and relationships tend to be long term.
- Tokyo · Yokohama · Nagoya · Kobe · Osaka
- 4 relevant categories
- 4 relevant products
Market overview
Key industries
- Automotive
- Machinery and robotics
- Electronics components
- Steel and chemicals
- Food processing
Import opportunities
- LNG, coal and crude oil
- Wheat, corn and soybeans
- Iron ore and non-ferrous metals
- Aluminium ingots
- Apparel and textiles
Export opportunities
- Vehicles and parts
- Machinery and machine tools
- Electronic components
- Steel products
- Specialty chemicals
Trade requirements
The main rules to check when trading with Japan. This is orientation, not legal or customs advice.
- Food import notification
- Food imports are notified to quarantine stations under the Food Sanitation Act.
- Electrical safety
- Electrical products need PSE marking under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act.
- Standards
- Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) are widely used in specifications.
- Trade agreements
- Japan is party to CPTPP, RCEP and an EU agreement; origin documents can reduce duty.
Logistics considerations
Major ports cluster on the Pacific coast between Tokyo and Kobe.
Buyers often prefer frequent smaller lots with very consistent quality.
Document accuracy and labelling are checked closely at clearance.
Relevant TP4 categories for Japan
Relevant products
Milling Wheat
Wheat for flour milling, specified by protein, moisture and test weight.
HS 1001
Steam Coal
Thermal coal for power generation, cement kilns and industrial boilers.
HS 2701
Aluminium Ingots
Primary aluminium ingots for remelting, casting and extrusion.
HS 7601
Cotton Bed Linen
Sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases for retail and hospitality.
HS 6302
Information current as of October 2026. Regulations, duties and documentation requirements change. Confirm with the relevant authority, your customs broker or forwarder before shipment. TP4 does not claim offices or operations in Japan.
Trading with Japan?
Tell TP4 the product, quantity and route.