Japan’s Container Exports To U.S. Decline Amid Shifting Transshipment Patterns

Japan’s container exports to the United States dropped by 5% in June, marking the third consecutive month of year-on-year decline, according to the Japan International Freight Forwarders Association (JIFFA). The total volume reached 51,468 TEUs, based on measurements taken at the port of origin. This decrease highlights ongoing shifts in trade flows and routing preferences within East Asia.

Sharp Decline in Direct Shipments, Rise in Transshipped Volumes

Direct exports from Japan to the U.S. fell 13.7%, totaling 33,288 TEUs. However, transshipped container volumes increased 16.4% to 18,180 TEUs, signaling a strategic shift in routing. Much of this growth is attributed to increased container movement through Shanghai, now a key hub in a new East Asian shipping alliance.

Transshipment performance varied by location:

• South Korea: +17.1%

• China: +57.5%

• Taiwan: -6.8%

• Singapore: -73.4%

First-Half Export Trends Show Overall Decline

From January to June, Japan exported 315,742 TEUs to the U.S., a 4.3% decline year-on-year.

• Direct exports: 210,954 TEUs (↓7%)

• Transshipped exports: 104,788 TEUs (↑1.6%)

Among third-country hubs:

• South Korea remained the top route with 63,139 TEUs, despite a 5.2% drop

• China handled 20,384 TEUs, up 21.1%

• Taiwan moved 12,723 TEUs, up 13.2%

• Singapore recorded 4,880 TEUs, down 16.1%

Japan’s declining direct exports to the U.S. reflect a growing reliance on transshipment through key regional hubs. Rising volumes through China and South Korea underscore a shift in trade dynamics, shaped by evolving shipping alliances and compliance strategies. As routing patterns continue to adapt, transshipment hubs are becoming increasingly central to Japan’s export strategy.