🇯🇵

Export Market

Japan

ISO: JP / JPN

Country Profile

Capital Tokyo
Population 123.2M
GDP $4.03T (2024)
GDP per Capita $32,487
Income Level High Income
Currency Japanese yen (JPY ¥)
Language Japanese
Timezone UTC+09:00
Region Asia · Eastern Asia

Trade Partners

Japan Exports To

  • USA 19.0%
  • China 18.0%
  • Taiwan 6.0%
  • S. Korea 6.0%
  • Hong Kong 4.0%

Key exports: cars, integrated circuits, machinery, vehicle parts/accessories, construction vehicles (2023)

Japan Imports From

  • China 22.0%
  • USA 11.0%
  • Australia 8.0%
  • UAE 5.0%
  • Saudi Arabia 5.0%

Key imports: crude petroleum, natural gas, coal, integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment (2023)

Economic Overview

second-largest East Asian economy; trade-oriented and highly diversified; high public debt levels; following years of near-zero interest rates, gradual increases to address inflation and depreciation of yen; strong rebound in tourism; aging population poses challenges to labor force participation

Government: parliamentary constitutional monarchy

UK Trade Status

FTA in Force

The UK has a free trade agreement with Japan, providing preferential market access for UK exporters.

Trade Barriers

8 active barriers affecting UK exporters

Some restrictions on UK Beef to Japan remain

An export ban in place since 1996 was partially lifted in 2019 to allow the export of beef carcass and offal under 30 months old from the UK to Japan. This doesn’t include minced meat, meat preparations (such as fresh, …

Sectors: Agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and pets

Reported: 22 Apr 2020

Engine identification requirements in Japan also cover exports of UK electric motors

In the Japanese car market, the engine type must be stamped or embossed on the engine or casting surface of the engine. For electric and hybrid vehicles it must be provided on the electric motor, despite the risk of damage. …

Sectors: Automotive

Reported: 18 Jun 2019

Agreement needed to permit bovine semen exports

The UK does not have an agreement to export bovine semen to Japan. Without an agreement UK exports of bovine semen cannot enter the Japanese market.

Sectors: Agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and pets

Reported: 25 Mar 2019

No agreement to export UK oysters

The UK does not currently have an agreement to export live oysters to Japan. Without an agreement in place, live oysters from the UK cannot enter the Japanese market.

Sectors: Agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and pets

Reported: 25 Mar 2019

Stringent registration requirements for overseas lawyers in Japan

To register as a 'gaiben' - attorney of foreign law - in Japan, an individual must have three years' professional experience in his/her respective home country's law, of which two years must have been obtained from outside Japan. This may …

Sectors: Financial and professional services

Reported: 12 Mar 2019

View all 8 barriers on GOV.UK →

Geographic Region

Asia Pacific

Trading Bloc Memberships

Japan is a member of the following trade agreements and economic blocs.

CPTPP Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement UK Member RCEP Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Trade Agreement

Export Guidance

Relevant guidance for exporting to Japan.

Start Your Export Journey

Export to the EU after Brexit Start exporting from the UK Manage your export compliance

Also in This Region

🇦🇺 Australia FTA 🇧🇳 Brunei 🇰🇭 Cambodia 🇫🇯 Fiji FTA 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇱🇦 Laos 🇲🇾 Malaysia 🇲🇳 Mongolia

Official Resources

Government export support for Japan.

great.gov.uk Market Guide → GOV.UK Country Information →
← Back to All Markets