Japan is the United States' fourth largest export market, after Canada, Mexico and China, and the second largest foreign investor in the U.S., with more than $200 billion invested (second only to the UK).
Japan is also the world's second largest economy, with a GDP of roughly $5 trillion in 2007. Measured in dollar terms and at current exchange rates, that is roughly 37 percent of the United States' GDP, although fluctuations in the dollar/yen rate can change this figure significantly. Measured on the same basis, Japan's annual output is almost equivalent to that of Germany and France combined, as well as being roughly three times the annual output of China and eight times that of India.
Best prospects for U.S. exporters include:
| Computer Software | Cosmetics & Toiletries | Education & Training | Electronic Components |
| Medical Equipment | Pharmaceuticals | Telecommunications Equipment | Travel & Tourism |
The Japanese market has many unique characteristics though -- review the information below in preparation for your shipments!