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How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from Japan to the US in 2025?
By Alex Naumov on October 14, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Japan is the ultimate source for JDM imports to the U.S.—from Skyline GT-R and RX-7 to kei icons and rare trims never sold stateside. Since April 2025, tariff treatment can significantly affect total cost depending on origin and HTS classification—not all vehicles are impacted the sam …
Japan Car Import Taxes, Duty-Free Options & Regulations | Complete Guide
By Dan Burkandt on September 19, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Importing a vehicle into Japan involves navigating a unique regulatory framework combining moderate import duties with comprehensive domestic taxation, mandatory vehicle inspections (shaken), and strict safety standards. Understanding Japan's complete import cost structure—from custom …
Global Guide to Car Import Taxes, Duty-Free Options & Regulations
By Dan Burkandt on September 17, 2025 at 2:19 PM
International vehicle imports involve complex tax structures, duty calculations, and regulatory requirements that vary significantly between countries. Understanding the global landscape of car import taxes, potential duty-free exemptions, and customs regulations enables informed deci …
Military Car Shipping To Japan: Essential 2025 PCS Tips
By Alex Naumov on August 1, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Relocating under Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders to Japan is an exciting milestone, yet the prospect of moving a privately owned vehicle (POV) across the Pacific can feel intimidating. With the right planning—and the right logistics partner—your car can arrive at Yokota, Misa …
Japan–U.S. Auto Tariffs: How OEM Price Cuts Impact Car Shipping | WCS
By Dmitriy Shibarshin on July 10, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Japan’s top automakers have taken an aggressive step to protect their U.S. market share—cutting factory-gate prices on exported vehicles by nearly 20 percent after Washington’s 25 percent tariff hike. While the headlines focus on consumer sticker prices, the deeper story is how these …
Japan–U.S. Auto Trade Talks 2025: Impact on Car Shipping | WCS
By Dmitriy Shibarshin on July 10, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Japan’s decision to continue trade talks with the United States—announced this week by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba—could realign trans-Pacific auto flows, tariff structures, and shipping capacity for years to come. For West Coast Shipping (WCS) and our global clients, understanding …
Rarest Japanese Sports Cars Now Legal to Import: 25-Year Rule Winners
By Dan Burkandt on June 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The U.S. 25-year import rule has unlocked access to some of Japan’s most exclusive sports cars, with 1999–2000 models now eligible for tariff-free, compliance-exempt importation. These limited-production JDM legends combine rarity, performance, and soaring collector demand—making them …
JDM Classic Car Exports: Leveraging the US 25-Year Rule
By Dan Burkandt on May 22, 2025 at 2:15 PM
The U.S. 25-year exemption rule has triggered a surge in JDM classic car imports, with 1999–2000 models like the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, Toyota Supra A80, and Mazda RX-7 FD3S dominating auctions. This guide highlights the top models driving this boom and explains how Japanese auction …
Japanese Market for American Muscle: Shipping Challenges & Opportunities
By Dan Burkandt on May 14, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Japan’s automotive market, renowned for its love of JDM icons, is increasingly embracing classic American muscle cars. Models like the Ford Mustang Boss 302, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, and Dodge Charger R/T are gaining traction among collectors, driven by nostalgia and investment potentia …
Japan's Manufacturing Decline: Automotive Buyer Opportunities in 2025
By Dan Burkandt on May 6, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Japan’s industrial production fell 1.1% month-over-month in March 2025, with automotive output plunging 5.9%-the steepest decline since 2020. This downturn, driven by U.S. tariffs and supply chain disruptions, has created unexpected opportunities for savvy importers and collectors. In …