US Import Tariffs from Japan
Applicable Tariff Rates for Japan-Origin Goods
The following rates apply to goods with Japan country of origin imported into the United States. All rates are ad valorem (percentage of customs value) unless noted.
| Tariff Type | Rate | Applies To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN / General Rate | Varies by HTS code | All goods (baseline) | In Effect |
| USJTA Preferential Rate | 0% (qualifying goods) | Goods meeting rules of origin | In Effect |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) | 25% / 10% | Japanese steel subject to 25% Section 232 (quota arrangements in place) | In Effect |
Japan is a USJTA partner. Qualifying goods can enter the US at 0% duty — but you must provide a valid Certificate of Origin and meet rules of origin requirements. Verify classification and ROO before claiming preferential treatment.
Top US Imports from Japan
These product categories represent the highest-volume imports from Japan into the United States. Each category has specific HTS codes, duty rates, and compliance requirements.
Get the Exact HTS Code + Duty Rate
Enter your product description. Our AI classifier returns the correct HTS code, applicable duty rates, and Japan Section 301/FTA status.
CBP Compliance for Japan-Origin Goods
USJTA covers agriculture and select industrial goods — not comprehensive. Vehicles remain at 2.5% MFN.
Country of Origin Requirements
All goods imported from Japan must be marked with their country of origin per CBP regulations (19 CFR 134). Goods must be "substantially transformed" in Japan to claim Japan origin — assembly alone is typically insufficient.
Auto sector not covered by USJTA. 25% Section 232 steel duties apply with quota. Electronics generally duty-free under ITA.
Landed Cost from Japan
Get a complete cost breakdown including duty, MPF, HMF, freight, and insurance for Japan-origin shipments.
Compare Japan vs. Other Origins
See side-by-side tariff and cost comparisons for Japan against other major sourcing countries.
Common Questions About Importing from Japan
The blended average US tariff rate for imports from Japan is approximately 1.8% average MFN. This rate reflects a weighted average across the country's top exported product categories to the US. Japan benefits from the USJTA, which may reduce or eliminate duties for qualifying goods. Actual rates depend on the specific 10-digit HTS code of the imported product.
Yes. Japan has a trade agreement with the US: USJTA (US-Japan Trade Agreement (partial)). Qualifying goods may enter at preferential (often 0%) duty rates, but must meet the agreement's rules of origin requirements. Importers must file the appropriate certificate of origin documentation with CBP to claim preferential rates.
Japan is NOT subject to Section 301 tariffs. Only China-origin goods face Section 301 additional duties. Section 232 tariffs (25% on steel, 10% on aluminum) apply to Japan with potential quota or exemption arrangements under USJTA for steel and aluminum products.
Importing from Japan — Complete 2026 Analysis
US–Japan Trade Relationship
Japan is the 5th largest US import source at $148B annually. The US-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA, Phase One), effective January 2020, reduced tariffs on select US exports to Japan and Japanese exports to the US, but coverage is limited compared to comprehensive FTAs like USMCA or KORUS. Most Japanese industrial goods — vehicles, machinery, electronics — still enter at MFN rates. Japan is the dominant source of high-end vehicles (Toyota, Honda, Nissan) and precision machinery. Phase Two negotiations on broader tariff reductions have not concluded.
Practical Import Guidance for Japan-Origin Goods
USJTA provides limited tariff reductions on select Japanese goods — verify whether your specific HTS code qualifies before assuming preferential rates. Most electronics qualify under ITA at 0% regardless of USJTA. Japanese vehicles face the standard 2.5% auto tariff (one of the lowest in the world, but still above KORUS 0%). Japanese steel faces Section 232 — Japan has a quota arrangement with limited duty-free volume. Precision machinery and medical equipment from Japan typically face 0%–3% MFN rates.
Key Risks and Compliance Considerations
Limited USJTA coverage means most products still face MFN rates. IEEPA may not apply to USJTA-qualifying goods (verify per-product). Section 232 steel/aluminum quotas. Japanese vehicle imports subject to EPA emission certification and NHTSA safety compliance (FMVSS).
Total Tariff Stack for Japan-Origin Imports
Understanding the cumulative tariff layers for Japan is essential for accurate landed cost calculation:
- Base MFN Rate: 1.8% average MFN (varies by HTS code)
- USJTA Preferential Rate: 0% for qualifying goods with proper documentation
- Section 232: 25% steel / 10% aluminum. Japanese steel subject to 25% Section 232 (quota arrangements in place)
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of entered value (min $31.67, max $614.35 per entry)
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value (ocean shipments only)
For a complete breakdown of your specific product's tariff exposure from Japan, order a $19 Tariff Exposure Report.
Tools for Japan Importers
Other US Trading Partner Tariff Profiles
Tariff rates are sourced from USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Federal Register notices as of 2026-05-16. Section 301 rates reflect current USTR actions. Always verify with official sources before importing. AI-assisted analysis provided for informational purposes only — not legal or customs advice.