U.S. container imports from Japan totaled 42,111 TEUs in September, down 8.3% year on year, according to Descartes Datamyne and Japan International Freight Forwarders Association (JIFFA). Compared to August, volumes plunged 22.6%, reflecting the growing impact of U.S. tariffs. Despite the decline, it was the first time since December 2021 that imports exceeded 42,000 TEUs. From January to September, total imports reached 475,229 TEUs, down 1.7% from a year earlier.
Direct shipments accounted for 25,933 TEUs, down 11.5%, while 16,178 TEUs were transshipped, down 2.6%, representing 38.4% of the total.
By port of origin, Tokyo handled 9,967 TEUs (-12.9%), Nagoya 7,890 TEUs (-9%), Kobe 4,719 TEUs (-20.3%), Yokohama 2,452 TEUs (-6.9%), and Osaka 351 TEUs (+19%). Throughput at Yokohama rose thanks to the resumption of U.S. East Coast services that had been suspended earlier due to tariff concerns.
By commodity, machinery and mechanical appliances (HS Code 84) led with 9,774 TEUs, down 24.5%. Vehicles and parts (HS Code 87) followed at 8,986 TEUs, down 7.4%. Rubber products (HS Code 40) totaled 4,456 TEUs, down 4.4%, and plastics (HS Code 39) reached 4,237 TEUs, down 8.6%.
From January to September, auto-related products fell 8.6% due to tariffs, while electric goods rose 5.1% and rubber products 2.8%.
