Trade commodities in Japan
Japan is one of the world's largest importers of LNG, coal, and iron ore, fueling its advanced manufacturing and steel industries. Despite limited natural resources, Japan is a major exporter of refined metals and specialty chemicals. The country's commodity trading houses, including Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo, are among the most influential globally.
What Japan sells and buys.
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Japan's commodity trade profile
Japan is the world's largest LNG importer (with the JKM benchmark assessed largely against Japanese delivery), a major coal importer, and a structural buyer of iron ore and copper for its steel and electronics industries. The traditional 'sogo shosha' trading houses, Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co, Itochu, Sumitomo, Marubeni, control much of Japan's commodity import flows through equity stakes in mines, oilfields, and LNG projects globally. On exports, Japan ships specialty steel, refined metals (copper, aluminum), electronic-grade chemicals, and petroleum products.
How commodity trade works in Japan
Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) hosts gold, oil, and rubber futures. The dominant Japanese LNG SPA framework historically used JCC (Japan Crude Cocktail) oil-indexation; spot JKM purchasing has grown steadily and now exceeds 25% of incremental volumes. Japan participates in the IEA strategic petroleum reserve system at 145+ days of net imports. METI oversees critical minerals policy including the JOGMEC equity-investment program for offshore mining projects.
Trading with Japan counterparties
Payment customs: open account or 'usance LC' standard. Trading houses' creditworthiness simplifies many counterparty discussions. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) compliance affects refined metals and chemicals. Dispute resolution typically via Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) Tokyo, or LCIA/ICC for international matters.
Trading in Japan.
- Major ports
- Yokohama
- Kobe
- Nagoya
- Tokyo
- Osaka
- Chiba
- Free trade zones
- Okinawa Free Trade Zone
- Naha Free Trade Zone
- Key regulations
- Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) oversees commodity trade. The country participates in the IEA strategic petroleum reserve system and maintains strict quality standards for imported commodities.
Find the exporters and importers in Japan.
The CTX Directory maps the companies headquartered in Japan and the ones that buy from it, by commodity and role, with the decision-makers to unlock.
Find your counterparties in Japan.
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