Shipping from Japan to Germany

Germany is Japan’s eighth-largest trading partner. As part of the European Union, Germany is also free from many tariffs on cargo from and to Japan due to the FTA agreement signed between the EU and Japan. Moreover, both countries are members of the G7, strengthening their trading relations. Japan and Germany specialize in their respective areas, engaging in mutually beneficial trade. Shipping from Japan to Germany can be profitable, considering the relationship between Germany and Japan.

Japan’s and Germany’s trade relations

Germany is one of the leading countries in manufacturing, especially in the automotive, machinery, and chemicals sectors. Japan mainly focuses on electronics, automotive manufacturing, and high-tech industries. Even though Japan and Germany are known for their technological expertise and advanced technological capabilities, they specialize in different areas, allowing them to support each other and engage in mutually beneficial trade. Both countries have a relatively stable economy, making them more reliable business partners. The most significant exported goods from Japan to Germany (according to 2021 OEC statistics) are:

  • Cars
  • Chemical Analysis Instruments
  • Video and Card Games
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Electrical Capacitors
  • Integrated Circuits

On the other hand, significant exports from Germany to Japan were cars, packaged medicaments, vaccines, blood, antisera, toxins and cultures, planes, helicopters, and/or spacecraft, medical instruments, and platinum. 

Shipping from Japan to Germany

If you ship from Japan to Germany, you can choose air or sea freight based on your needs and conditions. Both have their pros in cons. However, there is always one more suitable. 

Sea freight is usually preferable for high-volume goods and long-distance shipping. In contrast, air freight is way faster and gives a shipment tracking option, which is good to consider when the goods must arrive fresh.

Sea freight from Japan to Germany

To ship by sea, you can choose between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less Container Load). LCL mode takes longer than the FCL because the shipments have to be consolidated.

How long does it take to ship from Japan to Germany by sea?

Shipping from Japan to Germany usually takes around 32-36 days.

Major cargo seaports in Japan

  • Port of Tokyo
  • Kobe Port
  • Port of Nagoya
  • Port of Osaka
main seaports in Japan

Major cargo seaports in Germany

  • Hamburg Port 
  • Port of Bremerhaven 
  • Port of Wilhelmshaven
  • Port of Duisburg
main seaports in Germany

Air freight from Japan to Germany

Air freight is a safer option for shipping fragile and high-value goods. It is also much faster and safer than sea freight.

Request free quote for shipping

How long does air shipping from Japan to Germany take?

Air transport usually takes several hours. However, the whole procedure may take up to several days. Sometimes, the flight takes longer, depending on weather conditions.

Major cargo airports in Japan

  • Narita International Airport
  • Kansai International Airport
  • Tokyo International Airport
main airports in Japan

Major cargo airports in Germany

  • Frankfurt am Main Airport
  • Munich Airport
  • Berlin Brandenburg Airport
  • Düsseldorf Airport
main airports in Germany

How much does it cost to ship from Japan to Germany?

Before choosing the shipping method, you should compare the prices. The cost may differ depending on the amount, volume, and type of goods and the forwarder. However, how to find the right, trustworthy forwarder with a good offer?

ShipHub is a platform where you can get quotes for free! On ShipHub, you also compare quotes and choose the most suitable one for you! The only thing needed is to fill out the form as shown below and wait for the offers.

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