Trade lane

What Japan buys from South Korea.

Japan imported USD 21bn of manufactured and processed goods from South Korea in 2024, down 13 per cent on 2022. That is 5 per cent of everything Japan imported in these lines, and South Korea is its number 7 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where South Korea dominates, and where another country ships the same line for less a tonne.

Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices.

USD 21bnfrom South Korea in 2024 (USD 24bn in 2022)
5 per centof Japan's imports in these lines, USD 431bn from every source
1,146product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#7South Korea's rank among Japan's sources
The top 50

The largest lines on the lane, by 2024 value.

Each line shows what Japan paid South Korea for it at the border, South Korea's share of everything Japan imported in that line, how it changed since 2022, and the customs unit value per tonne where the weight is recorded. Together they are 44 per cent of the lane.

  1. 1

    Products containing tobacco or reconstituted tobacco, intended for inhalation without combustionHS 240411

    Share of Japan's imports24 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changeup 72 per cent on 2022 (USD 397m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 55,010 a tonne, 12,398 tonnes
    USD 682min 2024
  2. 2

    Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)HS 721049

    Share of Japan's imports66 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changeup 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 524m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 863 a tonne, 760,437 tonnes
    USD 656min 2024
  3. 3

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 330499

    Share of Japan's imports49 per cent, 69 source countries
    Changeup 35 per cent on 2022 (USD 436m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 38,399 a tonne, 15,289 tonnes
    USD 587min 2024
  4. 4

    Electronic integrated circuits: memoriesHS 854232

    Share of Japan's imports20 per cent, 44 source countries
    Changeup 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 416m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2.2m a tonne, 222 tonnes
    USD 486min 2024
  5. 5

    Machines and apparatus of heading 8486: parts and accessoriesHS 848690

    Share of Japan's imports20 per cent, 53 source countries
    Changeup 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 316m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 282,615 a tonne, 1,376 tonnes
    USD 389min 2024
  6. 6

    Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or...HS 854231

    Share of Japan's imports4 per cent, 58 source countries
    Changedown 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 450m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3.2m a tonne, 104 tonnes
    USD 329min 2024
  7. 7

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Share of Japan's imports39 per cent, 34 source countries
    Changeup 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 257m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 24,588 a tonne, 12,378 tonnes
    USD 304min 2024
  8. 8

    Iron or non-alloy steel: (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness exceeding 10mmHS 720851

    Share of Japan's imports83 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changedown 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 287m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 692 a tonne, 407,745 tonnes
    USD 282min 2024
  9. 9

    Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850760

    Share of Japan's imports10 per cent, 47 source countries
    Changedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 271m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 41,872 a tonne, 6,263 tonnes
    USD 262min 2024
  10. 10

    Electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542HS 854239

    Share of Japan's imports2 per cent, 58 source countries
    Changedown 65 per cent on 2022 (USD 675m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 966,411 a tonne, 247 tonnes
    USD 239min 2024
  11. 11

    Semiconductor media: solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37HS 852351

    Share of Japan's imports21 per cent, 55 source countries
    Changeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 208m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 5.1m a tonne, 47 tonnes
    USD 236min 2024
  12. 12

    Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness of 0.5mm or more but not exceeding 1mmHS 720917

    Share of Japan's imports69 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 223m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 756 a tonne, 301,984 tonnes
    USD 228min 2024
  13. 13

    Machinery: parts of machines handling earth, minerals or ores and n.e.c. in heading no. 8431HS 843149

    Share of Japan's imports13 per cent, 59 source countries
    Changedown 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 255m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,829 a tonne, 69,724 tonnes
    USD 197min 2024
  14. 14

    Electric accumulators: lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850710

    Share of Japan's imports64 per cent, 41 source countries
    Changeup 9 per cent on 2022 (USD 174m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,418 a tonne, 78,022 tonnes
    USD 189min 2024
  15. 15

    Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness exceeding 1mm but less than 3mmHS 720916

    Share of Japan's imports68 per cent, 13 source countries
    Changedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 186m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 787 a tonne, 226,208 tonnes
    USD 178min 2024
  16. 16

    Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690

    Share of Japan's imports11 per cent, 85 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 208m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 8,232 a tonne, 21,422 tonnes
    USD 176min 2024
  17. 17

    Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, pickled, of a thickness of less than 3mmHS 720827

    Share of Japan's imports72 per cent, 10 source countries
    Changedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 179m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 756 a tonne, 229,285 tonnes
    USD 173min 2024
  18. 18

    Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999

    Share of Japan's imports21 per cent, 69 source countries
    Changeup 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 130m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 10,881 a tonne, 15,168 tonnes
    USD 165min 2024
  19. 19

    Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899

    Share of Japan's imports12 per cent, 79 source countries
    Changeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 151m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 15,712 a tonne, 9,768 tonnes
    USD 153min 2024
  20. 20

    Moulds: for rubber or plastics, injection or compression typesHS 848071

    Share of Japan's imports27 per cent, 36 source countries
    Changedown 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 210m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 11,634 a tonne, 12,732 tonnes
    USD 148min 2024
  21. 21

    Chemical elements: doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms: chemical compounds doped for use in electronicsHS 381800

    Share of Japan's imports12 per cent, 40 source countries
    Changedown 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 181m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 234,633 a tonne, 626 tonnes
    USD 147min 2024
  22. 22

    Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762

    Share of Japan's imports2 per cent, 71 source countries
    Changeup 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 126m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 365,015 a tonne, 387 tonnes
    USD 141min 2024
  23. 23

    Propylene, other olefin polymers: propylene copolymers in primary formsHS 390230

    Share of Japan's imports45 per cent, 30 source countries
    Changedown 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 203m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,328 a tonne, 100,561 tonnes
    USD 134min 2024
  24. 24

    Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, of a thickness of less than 3mmHS 720839

    Share of Japan's imports43 per cent, 8 source countries
    Changedown 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 153m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 614 a tonne, 214,065 tonnes
    USD 131min 2024
  25. 25

    Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products: immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail...HS 300215

    Share of Japan's imports1 per cent, 35 source countries
    Changeup 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 120m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2.1m a tonne, 62 tonnes
    USD 128min 2024
  26. 26

    Television cameras: n.e.c. in item no 8525.8HS 852589

    Share of Japan's imports5 per cent, 59 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 149m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 171,697 a tonne, 734 tonnes
    USD 126min 2024
  27. 27

    Perfumes and deodorizers: perfuming or deodorizing preparations n.e.c. in heading no. 3307HS 330790

    Share of Japan's imports37 per cent, 43 source countries
    Changeup 68 per cent on 2022 (USD 74m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 12,273 a tonne, 10,146 tonnes
    USD 125min 2024
  28. 28

    Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, pickled, of a thickness of 3mm or more but less than...HS 720826

    Share of Japan's imports70 per cent, 10 source countries
    Changeup 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 107m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 790 a tonne, 154,738 tonnes
    USD 122min 2024
  29. 29

    Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890

    Share of Japan's imports4 per cent, 71 source countries
    Changeup 52 per cent on 2022 (USD 80m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 417,207 a tonne, 290 tonnes
    USD 121min 2024
  30. 30

    Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690

    Share of Japan's imports15 per cent, 75 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 141m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 120min 2024
  31. 31

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: lip make-upHS 330410

    Share of Japan's imports54 per cent, 39 source countries
    Changeup 342 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 67,439 a tonne, 1,759 tonnes
    USD 119min 2024
  32. 32

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of poly(ethylene terephthalate), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly...HS 392062

    Share of Japan's imports27 per cent, 32 source countries
    Changedown 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 125m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,786 a tonne, 42,491 tonnes
    USD 118min 2024
  33. 33

    Iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel: containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, of rectangular (other than square)...HS 720712

    Share of Japan's imports95 per cent, 5 source countries
    Changeup 28 per cent on 2022 (USD 87m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 593 a tonne, 187,756 tonnes
    USD 111min 2024
  34. 34

    Aluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm, alloys, rectangular (including square)HS 760612

    Share of Japan's imports23 per cent, 35 source countries
    Changedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 112m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,442 a tonne, 31,419 tonnes
    USD 108min 2024
  35. 35

    Optical media: recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37HS 852349

    Share of Japan's imports41 per cent, 56 source countries
    Changedown 45 per cent on 2022 (USD 191m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 105min 2024
  36. 36

    Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuitsHS 848620

    Share of Japan's imports4 per cent, 31 source countries
    Changedown 20 per cent on 2022 (USD 127m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 314,754 a tonne, 324 tonnes
    USD 102min 2024
  37. 37

    Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690

    Share of Japan's imports4 per cent, 90 source countries
    Changedown 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 109m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 12,255 a tonne, 8,148 tonnes
    USD 100min 2024
  38. 38

    Aircraft and spacecraft: parts of aeroplanes, helicopters or unmanned aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8807HS 880730

    Share of Japan's imports7 per cent, 56 source countries
    Changeup 160 per cent on 2022 (USD 38m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 475,544 a tonne, 209 tonnes
    USD 99min 2024
  39. 39

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a...HS 853710

    Share of Japan's imports6 per cent, 74 source countries
    Changeup 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 81m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 70,956 a tonne, 1,387 tonnes
    USD 98min 2024
  40. 40

    Instruments, appliances and machines: for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90HS 903180

    Share of Japan's imports10 per cent, 81 source countries
    Changeup 116 per cent on 2022 (USD 44m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 167,342 a tonne, 571 tonnes
    USD 95min 2024
  41. 41

    Optical elements: polarising material, sheets and plates thereofHS 900120

    Share of Japan's imports51 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changedown 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 106m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 124,737 a tonne, 712 tonnes
    USD 89min 2024
  42. 42

    Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490

    Share of Japan's imports1 per cent, 60 source countries
    Changeup 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 80m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 166,924 a tonne, 531 tonnes
    USD 89min 2024
  43. 43

    Sulphates: of nickelHS 283324

    Share of Japan's imports43 per cent, 11 source countries
    Changedown 44 per cent on 2022 (USD 155m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 6,155 a tonne, 14,224 tonnes
    USD 88min 2024
  44. 44

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Share of Japan's imports6 per cent, 60 source countries
    Changedown 37 per cent on 2022 (USD 139m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,698 a tonne, 32,198 tonnes
    USD 87min 2024
  45. 45

    Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isopreneHS 290124

    Share of Japan's imports87 per cent, 6 source countries
    Changedown 9 per cent on 2022 (USD 94m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,535 a tonne, 55,635 tonnes
    USD 85min 2024
  46. 46

    Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, propene (propylene)HS 290122

    Share of Japan's imports97 per cent, 5 source countries
    Changedown 43 per cent on 2022 (USD 144m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 857 a tonne, 95,209 tonnes
    USD 82min 2024
  47. 47

    Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants: prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar, other sweetening matter or spirit, n.e.c. in heading no. 2008HS 200899

    Share of Japan's imports20 per cent, 56 source countries
    Changeup 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 60m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 80min 2024
  48. 48

    Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, ethyleneHS 290121

    Share of Japan's imports96 per cent, 5 source countries
    Changedown 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 115m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 80min 2024
  49. 49

    Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron): tubes and pipes (not seamless), welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73HS 730630

    Share of Japan's imports68 per cent, 32 source countries
    Changedown 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 86m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 982 a tonne, 80,910 tonnes
    USD 79min 2024
  50. 50

    Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94HS 390140

    Share of Japan's imports18 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changeup 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 61m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,150 a tonne, 67,569 tonnes
    USD 78min 2024
Fastest growing

The lines that grew most since 2022.

Lines worth at least USD 5m in 2022, ranked by growth to 2024 in current dollars. A fast rise can be a new product, a shift away from another source, or a price change; the record does not say which.

  1. Cosmetic and toilet preparations: lip make-upHS 330410USD 119m in 2024, up 342 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022). South Korea supplies 54 per cent of the line.
  2. Acids: aromatic polycarboxylic acids: terephthalic acid and its saltsHS 291736USD 40m in 2024, up 260 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). South Korea supplies 19 per cent of the line.
  3. Base stationsHS 851761USD 21m in 2024, up 200 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). South Korea supplies 20 per cent of the line.
  4. Athletics and gymnastics equipmentHS 950691USD 15m in 2024, up 169 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Korea supplies 5 per cent of the line.
  5. Aircraft and spacecraft: parts of aeroplanes, helicopters or unmanned aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8807HS 880730USD 99m in 2024, up 160 per cent on 2022 (USD 38m in 2022). South Korea supplies 7 per cent of the line.
  6. Instruments, appliances and machines: for measuring or checking n.e.c. in chapter 90HS 903180USD 95m in 2024, up 116 per cent on 2022 (USD 44m in 2022). South Korea supplies 10 per cent of the line.
  7. Iron or steel: sheet piling, whether or not drilled, punched or made from assembled elementsHS 730110USD 18m in 2024, up 115 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). South Korea supplies 80 per cent of the line.
  8. Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture or repair of masks and reticles, assembling semiconductor devices or electronic...HS 848640USD 46m in 2024, up 106 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022). South Korea supplies 11 per cent of the line.
  9. Iron or non-alloy steel: H sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or moreHS 721633USD 23m in 2024, up 102 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). South Korea supplies 34 per cent of the line.
  10. Steel, stainless: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness of 3mm or more but less than 4.75mmHS 721932USD 10m in 2024, up 102 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Korea supplies 17 per cent of the line.
  11. Ceramic wares: for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses, articles having a hardness equivalent to 9 or more on the Mohs scaleHS 690912USD 12m in 2024, up 94 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). South Korea supplies 15 per cent of the line.
  12. Organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, in the form of liquid or cream and put up for retail sale, whether or not containing soapHS 340130USD 25m in 2024, up 92 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022). South Korea supplies 17 per cent of the line.
  13. Apparatus based on the use of x-rays: including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus, whether or not for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses, computed...HS 902212USD 11m in 2024, up 90 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). South Korea supplies 6 per cent of the line.
  14. Graphite: artificialHS 380110USD 10m in 2024, up 87 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Korea supplies 8 per cent of the line.
  15. Compressors: of a kind used in refrigerating equipmentHS 841430USD 48m in 2024, up 84 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022). South Korea supplies 19 per cent of the line.
  16. Furnaces, ovens and heating equipment: parts of the industrial or laboratory equipment of heading no. 8514HS 851490USD 10m in 2024, up 77 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). South Korea supplies 20 per cent of the line.
  17. Products containing tobacco or reconstituted tobacco, intended for inhalation without combustionHS 240411USD 682m in 2024, up 72 per cent on 2022 (USD 397m in 2022). South Korea supplies 24 per cent of the line.
  18. Toxins, cultures of micro-organisms (excluding yeasts) and similar products: n.e.c. in item 3002.3HS 300249USD 15m in 2024, up 71 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). South Korea supplies 6 per cent of the line.
  19. Transformers: n.e.c. in item no. 8504.2, having a power handling capacity exceeding 500kVAHS 850434USD 12m in 2024, up 71 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). South Korea supplies 35 per cent of the line.
  20. Perfumes and deodorizers: perfuming or deodorizing preparations n.e.c. in heading no. 3307HS 330790USD 125m in 2024, up 68 per cent on 2022 (USD 74m in 2022). South Korea supplies 37 per cent of the line.
Where South Korea dominates

Lines where South Korea supplies 60 per cent or more.

The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where South Korea ships at least 60 per cent of what Japan imports. This is supply concentration: how much of the line depends on one source country.

  1. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)HS 72104966 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 656m; 22 source countries in all.
  2. Iron or non-alloy steel: (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness exceeding 10mmHS 72085183 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 282m; 14 source countries in all.
  3. Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness of 0.5mm or more but not exceeding 1mmHS 72091769 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 228m; 12 source countries in all.
  4. Electric accumulators: lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 85071064 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 189m; 41 source countries in all.
  5. Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness exceeding 1mm but less than 3mmHS 72091668 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 178m; 13 source countries in all.
  6. Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, pickled, of a thickness of less than 3mmHS 72082772 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 173m; 10 source countries in all.
  7. Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, pickled, of a thickness of 3mm or more but less than...HS 72082670 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 122m; 10 source countries in all.
  8. Iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel: containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, of rectangular (other than square)...HS 72071295 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 111m; 5 source countries in all.
  9. Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isopreneHS 29012487 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 85m; 6 source countries in all.
  10. Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, propene (propylene)HS 29012297 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 82m; 5 source countries in all.
  11. Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, ethyleneHS 29012196 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 80m; 5 source countries in all.
  12. Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron): tubes and pipes (not seamless), welded, of circular cross-section, n.e.c. in chapter 73HS 73063068 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 79m; 32 source countries in all.
  13. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, electrolytically plated or coated with zincHS 72103097 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 68m; 13 source countries in all.
  14. Food preparations: pasta (excluding stuffed), cooked or otherwise preparedHS 19023065 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 67m; 33 source countries in all.
  15. Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, of silicon-electrical steel, (other than grain-oriented)HS 72251964 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 59m; 10 source countries in all.
  16. Steel, stainless: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, in coils, of a thickness of 3mm or more but less than 4.75mmHS 72191378 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 48m; 6 source countries in all.
  17. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, painted, varnished or coated with plasticsHS 72107091 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 39m; 18 source countries in all.
  18. Cocoa: powder, containing added sugar or other sweetening matterHS 18061064 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 39m; 25 source countries in all.
  19. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with aluminium zinc-alloysHS 72106190 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 37m; 8 source countries in all.
  20. Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically)HS 72259282 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 37m; 14 source countries in all.
Another source, lower unit value

Where another country ships the same line for at least 20 per cent less a tonne.

Lines worth USD 5m or more where South Korea's unit value is recorded and another country also ships at least USD 5m of the same line to Japan at a unit value at least 20 per cent lower. The largest such source is named. The same heading can hold different grades, so a lower figure is a question to ask, not a like-for-like price.

  1. Products containing tobacco or reconstituted tobacco, intended for inhalation without combustionHS 240411South Korea: USD 682m at USD 55,010 a tonne. Poland: USD 42m (1 per cent of the line) at USD 22,032 a tonne, 60 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 54,381 a tonne.
  2. Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 330499South Korea: USD 587m at USD 38,399 a tonne. China: USD 36m (3 per cent of the line) at USD 9,201 a tonne, 76 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 29,196 a tonne.
  3. Electronic integrated circuits: memoriesHS 854232South Korea: USD 486m at USD 2.2m a tonne. Thailand: USD 91m (4 per cent of the line) at USD 1.6m a tonne, 26 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 1.9m a tonne.
  4. Machines and apparatus of heading 8486: parts and accessoriesHS 848690South Korea: USD 389m at USD 282,615 a tonne. Taiwan: USD 158m (8 per cent of the line) at USD 106,191 a tonne, 62 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 367,346 a tonne.
  5. Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or...HS 854231South Korea: USD 329m at USD 3.2m a tonne. China: USD 692m (9 per cent of the line) at USD 702,901 a tonne, 78 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 892,072 a tonne.
  6. Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220South Korea: USD 304m at USD 24,588 a tonne. Serbia: USD 78m (10 per cent of the line) at USD 10,654 a tonne, 57 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 27,128 a tonne.
  7. Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850760South Korea: USD 262m at USD 41,872 a tonne. China: USD 2.1bn (77 per cent of the line) at USD 31,766 a tonne, 24 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 62,857 a tonne.
  8. Semiconductor media: solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37HS 852351South Korea: USD 236m at USD 5.1m a tonne. Taiwan: USD 448m (41 per cent of the line) at USD 1.3m a tonne, 74 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 1.5m a tonne.
  9. Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690South Korea: USD 176m at USD 8,232 a tonne. China: USD 797m (50 per cent of the line) at USD 3,083 a tonne, 63 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 11,809 a tonne.
  10. Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999South Korea: USD 165m at USD 10,881 a tonne. Sweden: USD 28m (4 per cent of the line) at USD 6,488 a tonne, 40 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 32,171 a tonne.
  11. Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899South Korea: USD 153m at USD 15,712 a tonne. China: USD 538m (43 per cent of the line) at USD 9,461 a tonne, 40 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 28,359 a tonne.
  12. Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762South Korea: USD 141m at USD 365,015 a tonne. India: USD 29m (1 per cent of the line) at USD 247,917 a tonne, 32 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 344,503 a tonne.
  13. Propylene, other olefin polymers: propylene copolymers in primary formsHS 390230South Korea: USD 134m at USD 1,328 a tonne. United Arab Emirates: USD 45m (15 per cent of the line) at USD 990 a tonne, 26 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 1,970 a tonne.
  14. Perfumes and deodorizers: perfuming or deodorizing preparations n.e.c. in heading no. 3307HS 330790South Korea: USD 125m at USD 12,273 a tonne. China: USD 138m (41 per cent of the line) at USD 5,451 a tonne, 56 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 9,960 a tonne.
  15. Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, without patterns in relief, flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, pickled, of a thickness of 3mm or more but less than...HS 720826South Korea: USD 122m at USD 790 a tonne. China: USD 23m (14 per cent of the line) at USD 623 a tonne, 21 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 784 a tonne.
  16. Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890South Korea: USD 121m at USD 417,207 a tonne. Mexico: USD 438m (15 per cent of the line) at USD 211,190 a tonne, 49 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 128,482 a tonne.
  17. Cosmetic and toilet preparations: lip make-upHS 330410South Korea: USD 119m at USD 67,439 a tonne. China: USD 19m (9 per cent of the line) at USD 36,960 a tonne, 45 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 72,006 a tonne.
  18. Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of poly(ethylene terephthalate), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly...HS 392062South Korea: USD 118m at USD 2,786 a tonne. Taiwan: USD 71m (16 per cent of the line) at USD 1,999 a tonne, 28 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 4,001 a tonne.
  19. Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuitsHS 848620South Korea: USD 102m at USD 314,754 a tonne. China: USD 41m (2 per cent of the line) at USD 108,988 a tonne, 65 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 351,974 a tonne.
  20. Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690South Korea: USD 100m at USD 12,255 a tonne. China: USD 1.4bn (54 per cent of the line) at USD 6,463 a tonne, 47 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 16,537 a tonne.
What this record says

What crossed the border, what it was worth, and what it weighed.

Every figure on this page is from CEPII's BACI file, which reconciles what each pair of countries reports to the UN about the same shipment. Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. A line is one six-digit customs heading (HS 2022). Values are in US dollars at the border; growth is in current dollars, so part of any change is price, not volume.

Unit value. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices. It is the value of a line divided by its declared weight, so it mixes grades, models and qualities under one heading. It is shown only where the weight is recorded, at least three source countries of USD 100k or more ship the line to Japan with a weight, and the figure sits within a factor of five of the middle of those sources. Outside that band it is treated as a recording problem and left out.

Share is South Korea's part of everything Japan imported in that line, from every source. Sources counts the countries that shipped any of it.

Scope. Manufactured and processed goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, without ores, fuels, precious metals, scrap, raw farm output and one-off capital and defence purchases: the same rule as the Made here pages.

What it does not say

A record of trade, not a shopping list.

What this record does not say: what sells at retail, what margin a trade leaves, how crowded the marketplaces are, or how much of a flow is re-exported through entrepots such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

A large line is not proof of an opening, and a lower unit value from another country is not proof the goods are the same. Tariffs, standards, freight, payment terms, lead times and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. Nothing on this page is a forecast, a recommendation or a promise. No supplier company is named, because the record holds none.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601. Edition of 2026-11-03.

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