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.
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.
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1
Products containing tobacco or reconstituted tobacco, intended for inhalation without combustionHS 240411
Share of Japan's imports24 per cent, 14 source countriesChangeup 72 per cent on 2022 (USD 397m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 55,010 a tonne, 12,398 tonnesUSD 682min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 25 per cent on 2022 (USD 524m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 863 a tonne, 760,437 tonnesUSD 656min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 35 per cent on 2022 (USD 436m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 38,399 a tonne, 15,289 tonnesUSD 587min 2024 -
4
Electronic integrated circuits: memoriesHS 854232
Share of Japan's imports20 per cent, 44 source countriesChangeup 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 416m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2.2m a tonne, 222 tonnesUSD 486min 2024 -
5
Machines and apparatus of heading 8486: parts and accessoriesHS 848690
Share of Japan's imports20 per cent, 53 source countriesChangeup 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 316m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 282,615 a tonne, 1,376 tonnesUSD 389min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 450m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3.2m a tonne, 104 tonnesUSD 329min 2024 -
7
Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220
Share of Japan's imports39 per cent, 34 source countriesChangeup 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 257m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 24,588 a tonne, 12,378 tonnesUSD 304min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 287m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 692 a tonne, 407,745 tonnesUSD 282min 2024 -
9
Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850760
Share of Japan's imports10 per cent, 47 source countriesChangedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 271m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 41,872 a tonne, 6,263 tonnesUSD 262min 2024 -
10
Electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542HS 854239
Share of Japan's imports2 per cent, 58 source countriesChangedown 65 per cent on 2022 (USD 675m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 966,411 a tonne, 247 tonnesUSD 239min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 208m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 5.1m a tonne, 47 tonnesUSD 236min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 223m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 756 a tonne, 301,984 tonnesUSD 228min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 255m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2,829 a tonne, 69,724 tonnesUSD 197min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 9 per cent on 2022 (USD 174m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2,418 a tonne, 78,022 tonnesUSD 189min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 186m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 787 a tonne, 226,208 tonnesUSD 178min 2024 -
16
Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690
Share of Japan's imports11 per cent, 85 source countriesChangedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 208m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 8,232 a tonne, 21,422 tonnesUSD 176min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 179m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 756 a tonne, 229,285 tonnesUSD 173min 2024 -
18
Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999
Share of Japan's imports21 per cent, 69 source countriesChangeup 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 130m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 10,881 a tonne, 15,168 tonnesUSD 165min 2024 -
19
Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899
Share of Japan's imports12 per cent, 79 source countriesChangeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 151m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,712 a tonne, 9,768 tonnesUSD 153min 2024 -
20
Moulds: for rubber or plastics, injection or compression typesHS 848071
Share of Japan's imports27 per cent, 36 source countriesChangedown 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 210m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 11,634 a tonne, 12,732 tonnesUSD 148min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 181m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 234,633 a tonne, 626 tonnesUSD 147min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 126m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 365,015 a tonne, 387 tonnesUSD 141min 2024 -
23
Propylene, other olefin polymers: propylene copolymers in primary formsHS 390230
Share of Japan's imports45 per cent, 30 source countriesChangedown 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 203m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,328 a tonne, 100,561 tonnesUSD 134min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 153m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 614 a tonne, 214,065 tonnesUSD 131min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 120m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2.1m a tonne, 62 tonnesUSD 128min 2024 -
26
Television cameras: n.e.c. in item no 8525.8HS 852589
Share of Japan's imports5 per cent, 59 source countriesChangedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 149m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 171,697 a tonne, 734 tonnesUSD 126min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 68 per cent on 2022 (USD 74m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 12,273 a tonne, 10,146 tonnesUSD 125min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 107m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 790 a tonne, 154,738 tonnesUSD 122min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 52 per cent on 2022 (USD 80m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 417,207 a tonne, 290 tonnesUSD 121min 2024 -
30
Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690
Share of Japan's imports15 per cent, 75 source countriesChangedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 141m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 120min 2024 -
31
Cosmetic and toilet preparations: lip make-upHS 330410
Share of Japan's imports54 per cent, 39 source countriesChangeup 342 per cent on 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 67,439 a tonne, 1,759 tonnesUSD 119min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 5 per cent on 2022 (USD 125m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2,786 a tonne, 42,491 tonnesUSD 118min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 28 per cent on 2022 (USD 87m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 593 a tonne, 187,756 tonnesUSD 111min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 112m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3,442 a tonne, 31,419 tonnesUSD 108min 2024 -
35
Optical media: recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37HS 852349
Share of Japan's imports41 per cent, 56 source countriesChangedown 45 per cent on 2022 (USD 191m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 105min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 20 per cent on 2022 (USD 127m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 314,754 a tonne, 324 tonnesUSD 102min 2024 -
37
Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690
Share of Japan's imports4 per cent, 90 source countriesChangedown 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 109m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 12,255 a tonne, 8,148 tonnesUSD 100min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 160 per cent on 2022 (USD 38m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 475,544 a tonne, 209 tonnesUSD 99min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 81m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 70,956 a tonne, 1,387 tonnesUSD 98min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 116 per cent on 2022 (USD 44m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 167,342 a tonne, 571 tonnesUSD 95min 2024 -
41
Optical elements: polarising material, sheets and plates thereofHS 900120
Share of Japan's imports51 per cent, 22 source countriesChangedown 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 106m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 124,737 a tonne, 712 tonnesUSD 89min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 80m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 166,924 a tonne, 531 tonnesUSD 89min 2024 -
43
Sulphates: of nickelHS 283324
Share of Japan's imports43 per cent, 11 source countriesChangedown 44 per cent on 2022 (USD 155m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6,155 a tonne, 14,224 tonnesUSD 88min 2024 -
44
Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890
Share of Japan's imports6 per cent, 60 source countriesChangedown 37 per cent on 2022 (USD 139m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2,698 a tonne, 32,198 tonnesUSD 87min 2024 -
45
Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isopreneHS 290124
Share of Japan's imports87 per cent, 6 source countriesChangedown 9 per cent on 2022 (USD 94m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,535 a tonne, 55,635 tonnesUSD 85min 2024 -
46
Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, propene (propylene)HS 290122
Share of Japan's imports97 per cent, 5 source countriesChangedown 43 per cent on 2022 (USD 144m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 857 a tonne, 95,209 tonnesUSD 82min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 60m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 80min 2024 -
48
Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, ethyleneHS 290121
Share of Japan's imports96 per cent, 5 source countriesChangedown 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 115m in 2022)Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of rangeUSD 80min 2024 -
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 countriesChangedown 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 86m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 982 a tonne, 80,910 tonnesUSD 79min 2024 -
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 countriesChangeup 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 61m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,150 a tonne, 67,569 tonnesUSD 78min 2024
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, propene (propylene)HS 29012297 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 82m; 5 source countries in all.
- Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, ethyleneHS 29012196 per cent of Japan's imports of the line, USD 80m; 5 source countries in all.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Japan buys from everyone, and what it is placed to make.
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.
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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