Market overview
As a country that suffers from typically high domestic production costs and a strong currency, we are seeing an increase in imports from this sector in a variety of areas.
The strong yen makes UK imports attractive. Japan is looking for quality and reliability (longevity) in products they source from overseas. The UK is well-placed to meet the standard expected of Japanese customers and we have seen an increase in companies having success in this field over the last two years.
If you have products that can deliver on quality, reliability and cost it would be worth speaking to the team in the first instance to discuss likely market potential.
We are also seeing interest from the Plant Engineering companies in recruiting staff to work on projects overseas. Again, please contact the team for further information.
Key opportunities
Particular opportunities exist in:
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Machine tooling
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Quality high spec tools
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Plant engineering staff (e.g. procurement professionals)
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Testing and monitoring devices
Latest opportunities in the Mechanical, Electrical & Process Engineering sector
Latest opportunities in the Electronics & IT Hardware sector
Latest export opportunities in Japan
Getting into the market
Companies interested in working in Japan should contact UKTI who can update you on the latest opportunities. You will most likely need a Japanese partner to make progress.
A number of sector events take place during the year supported by UKTI HQ and UKTI in Tokyo and Osaka.
More about doing business in Japan
Contacts
Market intelligence is critical when doing business overseas, and UKTI can provide bespoke market research and support during overseas visits though our chargeable Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).
To commission research or for general advice about the market, get in touch with our specialists in country – or contact your local international trade team.
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Matthew Matsumoto-Prouten, British Embassy Tokyo; Tel: +81 (0)3 5211 1149; Email: Matthew.Matsumoto-Prouten@fco.gov.uk
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Reiko Mitogawa, British Embassy, Tokyo; Tel: +81 (0)3 5211 1160; Email: reiko.mitogawa@fco.gov.uk
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Mami Aoki, British Consulate General Osaka; Tel: +81 (0)6 6120 5651; Email: mami.aoki@fco.gov.uk
UKTI Events
UKTI runs a range of events for exporters, including seminars in the UK, trade missions to overseas markets and support for attendance at overseas trade shows.
Latest events in the Mechanical, Electrical & Process Engineering
Latest events in Electronics & IT Hardware
Major Events
Japan International Machine Tools Fair
30 October-4 November 2014
Useful links
More about OMIS and other UKTI services for exporters
Sectors: Manufacturing
Countries: Japan
Countries: Japan
