🇯🇵 Japan vs 🇨🇳 China Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

🇯🇵

Japan

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$218B

Base Effective Rate10%

🇨🇳

China

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 30125-100%

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$575B

Base Effective Rate35%

Product Overlap

Both countries export these product categories to the US:

MachineryAuto partsPlasticsIron and steel

🇯🇵 Japan Advantages

+Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 35%)
+Not subject to Section 301 tariffs (China-specific)
+Unique export categories: Motor vehicles, Electrical machinery, Medical instruments

🇨🇳 China Advantages

+Higher US trade volume ($575B vs $218B)
+Unique export categories: Electronics, Furniture, Toys

Comparing import tariffs between Japan and China reveals key differences that can significantly impact landed costs for US importers.

Japan has a lower effective tariff rate (10%) compared to China (35%), a difference of 25%.

Both countries export Machinery, Auto parts, Plastics, Iron and steel to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Japan accounts for approximately $218B in bilateral trade with the US, compared to China's $575B.

Both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs. This rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it.

Japan's advantages include: Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 35%); Not subject to Section 301 tariffs (China-specific); Unique export categories: Motor vehicles, Electrical machinery, Medical instruments. China's advantages include: Higher US trade volume ($575B vs $218B); Unique export categories: Electronics, Furniture, Toys.

For most product categories, Japan currently offers lower import costs due to its tariff advantage. However, importers should consider factors beyond tariffs including shipping costs, lead times, quality standards, and supply chain reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — Japan or China?

Japan has a lower effective tariff rate (10% vs 35%). Section 301 tariffs on China account for the difference.

Should I switch sourcing from Japan to China?

The decision depends on more than tariff rates. Consider total landed cost (shipping, insurance, customs fees), lead times, quality standards, minimum order quantities, and supply chain reliability. The 25% tariff difference is significant but not the only factor.

Do both Japan and China face the same Section 122 tariff?

Yes, both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026. This flat rate replaced the variable IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. It expires approximately July 24, 2026. However, China faces additional Section 301 tariffs.

What products overlap between Japan and China exports to the US?

Both countries export Machinery, Auto parts, Plastics to the US. Japan has total bilateral trade of ~$218B while China has ~$575B.