Guide for Exports and Imports Between Türkiye and Japan

Japan is the world's third largest economy after the United States and the People's Republic of China. In this sense, it stands out as a good opportunity for businesses which intend to engage in international trade. We have answered the questions of those who want to export to Japan, such as what to take into consideration, transportation methods and transit times in our Türkiye-Japan import and export guide. Enjoy your reading!

Geographical Location of Japan

As an island country, Japan is located northeast of the People's Republic of China, east of the Korean Peninsula and south of the Siberian region of Russia. It consists of four main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu) and the island of Okinawa. Its capital Tokyo is the most populous city in the world with 38 million inhabitants. While 68.5% of Japan consists of mountainous areas, only 12.5% of the country is suitable for agriculture. In this sense, Japan is a country that rather imports raw material. 

What Does Japan Export the Most? 

Here are the products shipped from Japan to many parts of the world: 

  • Machines, nuclear reactors, boilers
  • Vehicles other than railways and trams
  • Electronic devices
  • Commodities not specified by type
  • Optical, photographic, technical and medical devices
  • Iron and steel 
  • Plastic products
  • Organic chemicals

What Does Japan Import the Most?

The products that Japan imports most from other countries are as follows: 

  • Mineral fuels, oils, distillates
  • Electronic devices
  • Machines, nuclear reactors, boilers 
  • Pharmaceutical products 
  • Metal ores, slag and ash 
  • Optical, photographic, technical and medical devices
  • Pearls, precious stones, metals, coins

What Does Japan Buy Most from Türkiye? 

The most exported products from Türkiye to Japan are as follows: 

  • Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates
  • Knitted or crocheted clothing
  • Machines, nuclear reactors, boilers
  • Vehicles other than railways, trams
  • Clothing not knitted or crocheted
  • Edible fruits, nuts, citrus peel, melon
  • Cereals, flour, starch, dairy preparations and products
  • Vegetables, fruits, nuts, food preparations

What Does Türkiye Buy Most from Japan? 

Türkiye's most imported products from Japan are as follows: 

  • Machines, nuclear reactors, boilers
  • Vehicles other than railways, trams
  • Electronic devices
  • Iron and steel 
  • Optical, photographic, technical and medical devices
  • Plastic products 
  • Commodities not specified by type
  • Rubber 

Which Countries Does Japan Import The Most From? 

According to 2021 data, Japan purchased the most products from the following countries: 

  1. China- 185.66 Billion Dollars
  2. The USA - 82.97 Billion Dollars
  3. Australia- 52.24 Billion Dollars
  4. South Korea- 32.08 Billion Dollars
  5. Saudi Arabia- 27.51 Billion Dollars 

What are Japan's Top Export Countries? 

The countries that Japan exported the most in 2021 are as follows: 

  1. China- 163.86 Billion Dollars
  2. The USA - 135.98 Billion Dollars 
  3. South Korea- 52.57 Billion Dollars
  4. Hong Kong- 35.45 Billion Dollars
  5. Thailand- 33.02 Billion Dollars 

How Much Does Türkiye Import from Japan? 

According to the United Nations COMTRADE database, Türkiye imported USD 4.39 billion worth of goods from Japan in 2021. 

How Much Does Türkiye Export to Japan? 

According to the COMTRADE database on international trade, Türkiye's exports to Japan in 2021 were worth 806.05 million dollars. 

Which Transportation Methods are used for Import and Export between Türkiye and Japan?

Seaway LCL shipping is an easy, reliable, fast and financially advantageous method that stands out in many trade routes for businesses which intend to deliver their products to buyers abroad. If you want to export to Japan, you can easily choose seaway LCL shipping.

What are the Transit Times for Imports from Japan to Türkiye? 

Imports between Türkiye and Japan are carried out through the port of Tokyo. The transit time is 36 days. The most frequently sent products include machinery, spare parts and technological products. 

What are the Transit Times for Exports from Türkiye to Japan? 

Tokyo port is used for exports from Türkiye to Japan. The transit time on this route is 40 days, and the product group sent is mostly metal and food. 

Seaway LCL Shipping Between Türkiye and Japan

Less Container Load (LCL) is the most flexible and economical way to ship your products around the world. Thanks to seaway LCL shipping, you can have the advantage of being able to ship your products when they are ready, without waiting to stuff the whole container.

Seaway LCL shipping is a convenient method for businesses looking to import and export on many of the trade routes. If you are planning to export between Türkiye and Japan, you can use seaway LCL shipping. 

What are the Mandatory Documents for Export between Türkiye and Japan?

The documents required for businesses intending to export may vary depending on the country and product. Businesses need to have detailed knowledge of commercial laws and regulations. But for the most part, these are the mandatory documents required for all products: 

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Detailed list of products shipped (quantity, value and other necessary information)
  • Bill of lading
  • Customs Declaration 
  • Required product-related certificates 

How to E-Export from Türkiye to Japan? 

Today, millions of people shop online from a country other than their own. E-export, which has become much more advantageous than traditional exports, provides businesses with the opportunity to sell and earn foreign currency without a physical presence in the target market. If you want to export to Japan, you must first determine the market places you are targeting and then transfer your products to the warehouses in Japan.

If you wish to have detailed information about e-export, we recommend you to read our e-export article.

What is Incoterms? What to Know When Exporting to and Importing From Japan 

Incoterms is a set of rules established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to determine the rights and responsibilities of both the buyer and the seller in trade.  In this way, it is aimed to prevent problems and confusion that may occur during the delivery process of a commodity. Businesses intending to export to Japan must comply with these worldwide standards. 

We have given you more comprehensive information in our article titled Incoterms, don't miss it! 

Shipeedy is Your Reliable Business Partner in Exports to Japan! 

With fast operation and approval process, customized flexible transportation solutions and quality service from start to finish, Shipeedy is your reliable business partner during the export process to Japan! By clicking here, you can become a member, review our transportation solutions and price offers.