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Exploring the Top 10 Japan Trade Partners in the Global Market

28-Aug-2025

Japan trade partners

Key Points:

  • The list of the top 10 Japan trade partners includes the United States, mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Germany, India and Vietnam.
  • Based on Japan import export data, Japan recorded a significant trade deficit of 5.5 billion USD in January 2025.
  • Based on Japan export data, the major Japan export partners are the United States and China, followed by South Korea and Taiwan.
  • According to Japan import data, the top Japan import partners are China, the United States and Australia. 

Thanks to its sophisticated technology, robust manufacturing sector, and diverse industries, Japan, the third-largest economy in the world, occupies a crucial place in international trade. The nation's leading trading partners in 2025 emphasize how deeply integrated it is into the global supply chain, which includes industries like energy, machinery, electronics, and automobiles.

In order to comprehend how foreign alliances support Japan's economic growth and how it keeps its place as a major player in the global market, it is crucial to examine Japan top trading partners, which include the United States, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Singapore. In this blog, we will explore Japan trade partners, Japan export partners and Japan import export data, with relevant case studies.

Does Japan Rely Heavily on Imports or Exports?

Because of its limited domestic resources, Japan is heavily dependent on imports, especially for food, raw materials, and energy. Even though Japan is an "export powerhouse," exporting expensive goods like cars and electronics, its high import dependency creates a trade deficit, which makes the import portion of its foreign trade more important to its economy.

While Japan runs trade deficits due to its high import volume, its strength in exporting advanced technology and manufactured goods helps to balance its economy.

Japan Import Export Data: 2025 Analysis

In early 2025, Japan experienced a trade deficit, with exports declining year-on-year in June and imports showing a slight increase.

According to Japan exports and imports data, Japan recorded a significant trade deficit of 5.5 billion USD in January 2025. The trade surplus fell short of market expectations by June 2025, when it had shrunk to 153.1 billion JPY.

Japan Trade Data

January 2025

June 2025

July 2025

Japan Export data
Exports (Year-on-Year Growth)

5.90%

-0.50%

-2.60%

Japan import data
Imports (Year-on-Year Growth)

15.90%

0.20%

N/A


Japan's Export-Import Data (July 2025 vs. July 2024)

Japan exports and imports data

July 2025

July 2024

% Change

Japan export data (Exports)

9,359,467

9,611,591

-2.60%

Japan import data (Imports)

9,477,909

10,239,930

-7.40%

Trade Balance

?118,442

?628,339

-81.10%

Japan's largest trading partners

USA

China

South Korea


Japan's foreign trade decreased in July 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, according to the data in the table. Both imports and exports declined, but the decline in imports was significantly more pronounced.

Japan's trade balance has significantly improved as a result of this, with the deficit having decreased by more than 81%. This suggests that although the demand for Japanese goods has decreased globally, the trade gap has been reduced by a more significant decline in spending. Also, you can obtain updated Japan trade data, Japan export partners, Japan top trading partners and Indian import Data or HS Code lists from ExportImportData, the best Export Import Data Provider.

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Who is Japan's Biggest Trading Partner?

Japan's biggest trade partners are China and the United States, though the specific ranking can vary depending on whether it's exports or imports and the data year.

Which are Japan's top ten trading partners, Japan export partners, or Japan's exports by Country? If you're wondering, don't worry—the ExportImportData portal is here to give you the list.

The Top 10 Japan Trade Partners

We will now examine Japan's top trading partners and their combined values:

Rank

Japan Trade Partners

Japan Export Data (US$)

% of Total Exports

1

United States

$141.4 billion

20%

2

mainland China

$124.5 billion

17.60%

3

South Korea

$46.5 billion

6.60%

4

Taiwan

$45.3 billion

6.40%

5

Hong Kong

$36 billion

5.10%

6

Thailand

$26.6 billion

3.80%

7

Singapore

$19.8 billion

2.80%

8

Germany

$17.4 billion

2.50%

9

India

$17.2 billion

2.40%

10

Vietnam

$17.1 billion

2.40%


According to its Japan exports and imports data, these are Japan's top trading partners. In 2024, the aforementioned 25 trading partners received 90.2% of all Japanese exports.

The top importers who increased their purchases from Japan the fastest were India (up 8%), Hong Kong (up 10.1%), Switzerland (up 11.5%), Panama (up 17.1%), and the United Arab Emirates (up 21.6% from 2023).

Moreover, Italy (down -16.8% from 2023), the Netherlands (down -14.5%), Germany (down -10.4%), Indonesia (down -10.1%), and Thailand (down -9.4%) were the countries with the biggest declines. To know the list of Japan major trading partners, Japan trade data, Japan import data or exporters & importers list, connect with ExportImportData.in

A Case Study to Identify Japan Top Trading Partners


Background

Kenji Watanabe, a 52-year-old Tokyo-based import-export trader, was trying to identify Japan trade partners or Japan export partners across key commodities such as automobiles, machinery, electronics, and agricultural products.

Given how heavily Japan's economy depends on imports and exports, Kenji had to deal with growing client demand for precise information on Japan's top import and export destinations, from trading houses to manufacturers. Finding Japan trading partners with Japan exports and imports data, HS code lists, open shipment records, and reliable supply capabilities was his largest obstacle.

Kenji’s Profile

  • Profession: Senior Consultant – Watanabe Global Trade Advisory
  • Age: 52
  • Key Characteristics: Highly analytical, data-driven, and risk-conscious. Strong networker with experience in advising mid- to large-scale Japanese businesses. Prioritises long-term, compliance-driven partnerships.

Biggest Challenge in Japan import export data: Identifying Japan trade partners and Japan exports and imports data without depending solely on fragmented or outdated government reports.

Specific Goals

  • Obtain updated import export data online on Japan’s trade sources.
  • Evaluate Japan's exports by Country with shipment history and trade volumes.
  • Identify sector-wise and port-wise trends to advise clients on trade optimisation.

Pain Points

  • No unified platform offering transparent insights on Japan’s top trading partners.
  • Lack of visibility into updated Japan export import data.
  • Difficulty in sector-wise filtering to identify reliable partners for automobiles, electronics, and agricultural products.

What would make him say,

“Yes, I need Verified Japan top trading partners!” —He can guide clients with confidence, backed by real-time Japan trade statistics that reveals Japan’s top trading partners, their trade volumes, Japan exports and imports data and country-wise shipment patterns.

Major Challenges

  • No verified database of Japan export partners.
    This left Kenji struggling to recommend stable markets for his clients.
  • No insights into Japan trade statistics, shipment patterns and seasonal trade fluctuations.
    This made it difficult to plan supply chains and inventory cycles.
  • Limited visibility into port-wise trade activities.
    Without port-specific analysis, clients faced delays and higher costs.

Connect with Reliable top Japan trade partners—Start Your Demo

How Did the ExportImportData Portal Help?

The portal provided Kenji with:

  • Detailed information on Japan’s exports and imports, including HS codes, shipment volumes, and Japan export partners.
  • Verified Japan trade partner data backed with shipment history and Japan imports by country insights.
  • Port-wise analysis revealed that major Japanese ports handle the highest volumes of trade.

Additionally, he gained:

  • Sector-wise trends in automobiles, machinery, electronics, and agri-products.
  • Seasonal Japan trade statistics for peak demand and supply planning.
  • Buyer-seller intelligence for forming long-term trade relationships.

Findings

The Japan trade statistics revealed:

  • Top export destinations for Japan included the United States, China, South Korea, and Germany.
  • Major Japan import partners supplying Japan were China, Australia, and the United States.
  • Key ports like Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagoya handled the largest volumes of export-import cargo.
  • Seasonal surges in demand during global festive and manufacturing cycles.

With these insights, Kenji identified reliable trade partners and presented actionable strategies to his client base.

Outcome

Within two months, Kenji:

  • Helped three major Japanese firms secure contracts with consistent international buyers.
  • Reduced his clients’ procurement and logistics costs by nearly 15%.
  • Built a trusted advisory reputation by providing real-time, Japan import export data & a list of the biggest Japan trade partners.

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Final Words!

The top 10 trade partners of Japan in 2025 underscore the nation’s resilience and strategic importance in international commerce. By maintaining strong relationships with both regional and global economies, Japan ensures a steady flow of imports to meet domestic demands while exporting world-class products that shape industries worldwide. These trade partnerships not only sustain Japan’s economic momentum but also reinforce its influence in driving innovation and stability in the global market.

However, if you still have any queries or questions regarding the list of top Japan trade partners Japan export data, Japan import partners, or need Japan trade data, Indian trade data, Indian export data or an importers & exporters list, connect with ExportImportData.in today and schedule a free live demo.

 

Top Japan trade partners

Japan trade partners: United States

Japan trade partners: Mainland China

Japan trade partners: Vietnam

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Japan's main trade?

    According to Japan's trade data, Japan's top trade involves exporting automobiles, machinery, and electrical goods, while primarily importing crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas.

  • Who is Japan's biggest trade partner?

    Japan's largest trade partner is China, when considering of total trade volume, while the United States is its largest export partner and its biggest import partner.

  • Who does Japan trade with the most?

    Based on Japan trade data, the biggest trade partners are the United States, China, South Korea and Taiwan.

  • What are Japan's top 3 imports?

    Based on Japan import data, the top 3 imports of Japan include mineral fuels, oils, and distillation products, and Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

  • Who is Japan's biggest importer?

    Japan's biggest importer of goods is China, which serves as the largest import partner for Japan.

  • What is Japan's biggest export?

    Based on Japan export data, the biggest Japan export products are vehicles, particularly automobiles.

  • What is Japan's export and import data?

    In 2024, Japan's total exports were worth approximately $707 billion, with major exports including automobiles, machinery and electronic equipment, while its imports reached about $743 billion.

  • What are Japan's main imports and exports?

    Based on Japan imports and exports, Japan's primary exports are motor vehicles, machinery, and electrical equipment.

  • Which country does Japan import most from?

    As per Japan import data, Japan's largest import partner is China, followed by the United States and Australia.

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