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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 …
Auto Parts Tariff Impact: Reshaping US-Japan Supply Chains in 2025
By Dan Burkandt on May 6, 2025 at 11:19 AM
The May 3, 2025 implementation of a 25% tariff on imported auto parts has triggered a seismic shift in global automotive supply chains. While the earlier 25% tariff on imported vehicles disrupted finished car markets, this new policy directly targets the lifeline of automotive manufac …
Classic Car Exemptions Under The US–Japan Trade Deal: The New 15% Tariff
By Dan Burkandt on May 6, 2025 at 11:19 AM
The July 2025 US–Japan trade agreement brought sweeping tariff changes for the auto industry, but classic car shippers still hold a unique advantage—if they understand the latest duty rules. With modern cars facing a 15% US tariff on Japanese imports, collectors and dealers are asking …
Japan's Auto Tariff Policy: Impact on US Car Exports in 2025
By Dan Burkandt on April 3, 2025 at 12:15 AM
The international automotive trade landscape experienced a seismic shift on July 23, 2025, when President Trump announced a landmark trade agreement with Japan. This historic deal, described by Trump as "perhaps the largest deal ever made," fundamentally altered the tariff structure b …
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Buying Guide: US Car Import Eligible
By Alex Naumov on March 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI represents the pinnacle of 1990s rally engineering, blending motorsport prowess with everyday usability. As the 2000 model year approaches its 25th anniversary in 2025, it becomes eligible for streamlined importation to the United States under the 25 …
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 6 Buying Guide: Rally Icon
By Alex Naumov on March 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 6 represents one of Japan's most celebrated performance cars—a vehicle that perfectly blends rally-bred engineering with everyday usability. As the 2000 model year approaches its 25th anniversary in 2025, it becomes eligible for streamlined importati …