Japan-Rep. of Korea Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $71.15B total volume •Japan surplus: $14.26B
Japan → Rep. of Korea
$42.71B
Exports (2023)
Rep. of Korea → Japan
$28.45B
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$14.26B
Surplus for Japan
Total Trade
$71.15B
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between Japan and Rep. of Korea. Green line shows exports from Japan, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the Japan-Rep. of Korea commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
Japan → Rep. of Korea Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
Japan's export portfolio to Rep. of Korea demonstrates strong diversification across multiple sectors, with electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542 representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
Rep. of Korea → Japan Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
Japan's import pattern from Rep. of Korea reveals significant dependencyin petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
Japan demonstrates competitive strength in exportingelectronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542 to Rep. of Korea, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsstrongcomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $71.15B trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: Japan-Rep. of Korea Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $71.15 billionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: Japan maintains a surplus of $14.26 billion
- Export Focus: Japan's primary exports include electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542, machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuits, petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from Rep. of Korea include petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, metals: silver, unwrought, (but not powder), electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents one of the world's largest trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $71.15B represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with Japan leveraging its comparative advantages in electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
Japan's specialization in electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542complements Rep. of Korea's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils.
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $71.15B bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $71.15B bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $71.15 billion bilateral trade volume represents a major economic driverfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542 and petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
Japan's trade surplus of $14.26 billion strengthens its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between Japan and Rep. of Korea represents a total trade volume of $71.15 billion in 2023. This partnership demonstrates a favorable trade balance for Japan, with exports exceeding importsby $14.26 billion.
Export Strengths
Japan's exports to Rep. of Korea total $42.71 billion, with competitive advantages in electronic integrated circuits: n.e.c. in heading no. 8542, representing $3.17B or7.4% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from Rep. of Korea amount to $28.45 billion, highlighting economic interdependence in petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, with Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils comprising18.8% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade surplus indicates Japan's competitive position in this bilateral relationship. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between Japan and Rep. of Korea in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023