JAPAN-US Trade Profile

Comprehensive analysis of JAPAN exports to the United States, including trade volumes, commodity breakdown, tariff rates, and logistics infrastructure.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting JAPAN imports.

Trade Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Country | JAPAN | | Country Code | JP | | Total US Imports | $51.91 billion (2023) | | Number of Products | 7+ HS codes tracked | | Tariff Exposure | 0-25% (MFN + potential Section 301/232) |

Top Import Categories

The United States imported 7+ different products from JAPAN in 2023. Here are the top 10 by value:

1. Printing machinery (HS 8443)

Import Value: $18.38 billion (35.4% of total)
HS Code: 8443
Tariff Rate: View HS 8443 JP tariff

Printing machinery is a major export from JAPAN, representing 35.4% of bilateral trade.

2. Spark-ignition engines (HS 8407)

Import Value: $12.48 billion (24.0% of total)
HS Code: 8407
Tariff Rate: View HS 8407 JP tariff

Spark-ignition engines is a major export from JAPAN, representing 24.0% of bilateral trade.

3. Air/vacuum pumps (HS 8414)

Import Value: $7.16 billion (13.8% of total)
HS Code: 8414
Tariff Rate: View HS 8414 JP tariff

Air/vacuum pumps is a major export from JAPAN, representing 13.8% of bilateral trade.

4. Tractors (HS 8701)

Import Value: $5.38 billion (10.4% of total)
HS Code: 8701
Tariff Rate: View HS 8701 JP tariff

Tractors is a major export from JAPAN, representing 10.4% of bilateral trade.

5. Industrial machinery (HS 8479)

Import Value: $4.83 billion (9.3% of total)
HS Code: 8479
Tariff Rate: View HS 8479 JP tariff

Industrial machinery is a major export from JAPAN, representing 9.3% of bilateral trade.

6. Cranes (HS 8426)

Import Value: $2.98 billion (5.7% of total)
HS Code: 8426
Tariff Rate: View HS 8426 JP tariff

Cranes is a major export from JAPAN, representing 5.7% of bilateral trade.

7. Hot-rolled steel coil (HS 7208)

Import Value: $0.70 billion (1.3% of total)
HS Code: 7208
Tariff Rate: View HS 7208 JP tariff

Hot-rolled steel coil is a major export from JAPAN, representing 1.3% of bilateral trade.

Commodity Breakdown Table

| Rank | Product | HS Code | Import Value (2023) | Share of Total | |------|---------|---------|-------------------|----------------| | 1 | Printing machinery | 8443 | $18.38B | 35.4% | | 2 | Spark-ignition engines | 8407 | $12.48B | 24.0% | | 3 | Air/vacuum pumps | 8414 | $7.16B | 13.8% | | 4 | Tractors | 8701 | $5.38B | 10.4% | | 5 | Industrial machinery | 8479 | $4.83B | 9.3% | | 6 | Cranes | 8426 | $2.98B | 5.7% | | 7 | Hot-rolled steel coil | 7208 | $0.70B | 1.3% |

Tariff Landscape

Current Tariff Rates

MFN Tariff Rates: JAPAN products enter under Most-Favored Nation rates:

Base Rates: 0-15% depending on HS classification
Average Rate: Varies by product category
Section 301 Risk: Potential additional tariffs if trade disputes arise
FTA Status: No current free trade agreement with US

Tariff Considerations:

Product-specific rates vary widely
No preferential access like USMCA countries
Lower than China but higher than Mexico/Canada

Tariff Impact by Product

View detailed tariff rates for specific JAPAN products:

Logistics & Shipping

Major Trade Routes

JAPAN goods typically ship to the US via:

Ocean Shipping:

Container services from major JAPAN ports
Transit times: 7-25 days depending on route
Freight rates vary by season and capacity

US Ports of Entry:

Transit Times

| Route Type | Transit Time | Notes | |------------|-------------|-------| | Ocean Freight | 10-20 days | Port-to-port | | Air Freight | 3-7 days | Premium option | | Door-to-Door | 18-30 days | Including customs |

Risk Management

Supply Chain Risks

Tariff Volatility:

Moderate risk (potential Section 301 actions)
Policy changes can occur with 60-90 days notice
Effective tariff rates can double or triple

Logistics Risks:

Port congestion at US gateways
Regional supply chain bottlenecks
Seasonal capacity constraints

Hedging Strategies

1. Tariff Prediction Markets

Hedge JAPAN tariff exposure using tariff prediction markets:

Example:

Exposure: $10M annual imports from JAPAN
Current Tariff: 5-15%
Hedge: Buy "JP-US Tariff > 25%" position
Protection: Payout offsets increased duty costs

2. Sourcing Diversification

Don't rely solely on JAPAN:

Blend JAPAN with multiple regions
Reduce concentration risk
Maintain supply chain flexibility

3. USMCA Optimization

Consider shifting production to USMCA countries:

Mexico/Canada offer 0% tariffs
Shorter supply chains
Lower tariff risk

Related Resources

JAPAN Ports - Major export gateways
Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
Section 301 Tariffs - China trade actions
Container Shipping Routes - JAPAN-US logistics

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ballast Markets bilateral trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy and bilateral negotiations. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates and compliance requirements with customs brokers and trade advisors. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from official U.S. government sources but may contain errors or be outdated. For sourcing and compliance decisions, always verify with customs brokers and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04