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Interesting JDM Importing Statistics
Japanese Domestic Model (JDM) cars have been making waves in the global auto market. The United States (US) is among the leading destinations of exported JDMs from Japan. Usually, JDMs are acquired either due to their good quality, classic appeal, or for collection purposes. Apart from these reasons, other factors steer car buyers and enthusiasts to choose JDMs over other cars.
Here’s a round-up of statistics that will provide you with noteworthy takeaways about Japanese automobiles and other relevant information:
- Auto Importation In The US
- Japanese Car Exportation
- Marketability
- Japan’s Auto Supply
- Other Must-Knows
- Conclusion
Auto Importation In The US
When it comes to trading, Japan and the US actively engage with each other. Importation aids in furthering the US auto industry, and automobiles remain a major part of Japan-to-US goods trade. The Office of the US Trade Representative’s Japan summary reports that U.S. goods imports from Japan totaled $146.0 billion in 2025.
Japan Exported 1.37 Million Motor Vehicles To The US In 2024
JAMA’s latest annual industry report shows Japan exported 4,217,044 motor vehicles in 2024, with 1,369,063 of those vehicles shipped to the United States. That made the US 32.5% of Japan’s motor-vehicle export total by units. (Source: JAMA, The Motor Industry of Japan 2025)
Japan’s Automotive Exports Reached 22.5 Trillion Yen In 2024
As the yearly import rate changes, the value of the automobiles shipped by Japan also changes. JAMA reported that Japan’s automotive exports were worth 22.5 trillion yen in 2024, up 3.8% from 2023. USTR’s 2025 trade summary shows total U.S. goods imports from Japan at $146.0 billion across all categories. (Sources: JAMA, USTR)
Japanese Car Exportation
The expansion of Japan’s automobile industry internationally is being ushered by exportation. Shipping cars from one country to another allows for a broader market reach. Hence, putting emphasis on exportation is important.
4.22 Million Motor Vehicles Were Exported By Japan In 2024
Japan exported 4,217,044 motor vehicles in 2024, up from 2021 and still below some pre-pandemic peaks. North America received 1,600,811 units, including 1,369,063 vehicles shipped to the United States. (Source: JAMA, The Motor Industry of Japan 2025)
1.37 Million Motor Vehicles Were Shipped From Japan To The US
JAMA counted 1,369,063 motor-vehicle exports from Japan to the United States in 2024. That figure is lower than some mid-2010s highs, but it confirms the US remains Japan’s largest single export destination in the dataset. (Source: JAMA, The Motor Industry of Japan 2025)
Marketability
In 2001, the Fast and Furious film featuring JDM cars was released. The hype brought by the film resulted in a boost in JDMs popularity. It rendered a lucrative market in the US.
Japanese Car Manufacturers in the US Auto Industry Reached 43% by 2008
Eight Japanese automakers were able to surpass the market shares of the leading manufacturers in the US. GM, Ford, and Chrysler have a cumulative 42.4%, while Japanese carmakers have 43%. (Source: Facts and Details)
Japanese Brand Toyota Sold 1.9 million Vehicles in the US
Toyota has sold more units than Ford in the US. The brand was deemed a top-tier car provider. Ford reached 1.8 million vehicles, while Toyota distributed 1.9 million cars. (Source: Statista)
Some JDM Cars Can Go More Than 250,000 miles
There is a discrepancy between the mileage of a JDM car and an American car. There are cars made by US automakers that roughly make it to 100,000 miles. However, Japanese vehicles can go beyond 250,000 miles throughout their life on the road. (Source: CoPilot)
The Largest Collection Of JDM Cars In The US Has About 1,000 Vehicles
Gary Duncan, the owner of Duncan Imports and Classics, collects JDM vehicles. He houses his collection in a warehouse with a 110,000 square foot size space. It serves as a museum and his dealership area. The collection includes classic cars and mini trucks. At present, his collection amounts to over $10 million. (Source: The Journal)
Japan’s Auto Supply
There is an abundant provision of Japanese vehicles in the global market. Japan has a huge auto industry. As a result, the production of vehicles and auto supply is continuous.
8.23 Million Vehicles Were Manufactured In Japan In 2024
When it comes to production, Japan releases millions of cars annually. In 2024, motor-vehicle production in Japan stood at 8.23 million units, including 7.14 million passenger cars. JAMA notes that total production was down 8.5% from 2023. (Source: JAMA, The Motor Industry of Japan 2025)
Japanese-Brand Automakers Still Produce Most Vehicles Outside Japan
Aside from the in-country production, there are overseas production facilities for Japanese vehicles. JAMA’s 2025 ASEAN report shows Japanese-brand manufacturers produced 25.94 million vehicles globally in 2024, with 8.3 million in Japan and 13.9 million in overseas production outside ASEAN. Some leading brands, including Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and Suzuki, have large overseas manufacturing footprints. (Source: JAMA ASEAN report 2025)
Approximately 32.5% Of The Auto Parts Found In The US Market Are From Japan
A considerable portion of the auto parts market in the US is comprised of Japanese products. The trade agreement between the two countries enables Japan to have imports that have non-specific quotas. However, US auto parts manufacturers and suppliers have to face a stricter Japanese market. If you own a JMD or any Japanese vehicle, you can get authentic auto parts even if you are in the US. (Source: The Yale Undergraduate Research Journal)
Denso Revenue Reached 7.16 Trillion Yen In Fiscal 2025
One of Japan’s largest auto-parts suppliers is Denso Corporation. Denso reported consolidated revenue of 7,161.8 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, a record high in its integrated report. Denso is part of the Toyota Group and supplies components across electrification, safety, thermal, and powertrain systems. (Source: Denso Integrated Report 2025)
Other Must-Knows
Apart from the data above, you must consider other information about JDM vehicles. In particular, the importation aspect. If you want to acquire a JDM vehicle that is not readily available in the US, you have come to the right place for research.
Importation Cost is $1,500 USD-$4,500 USD From Japan To The US
Acquiring a vehicle from Japan requires transport cost, which changes based on the port where a car will be delivered. You also have to pay federal taxes and duty fees. Duty fees depend on the car’s value or price. Aside from costs, you must register and get a plate number before driving the imported car. There are times when Customs and Border Protection asks for documents. Of course, you can always do the easy way by buying from authorized suppliers or dealers who can arrange everything for you. (Source: Carused.jp)
25-Year-Old Vehicles Can Be Imported Into The US
Vehicles that are 25 years old or older can bypass DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Hence, you can import a car even if it doesn’t have the required car features like seatbelts and headlights. Counting the year starts at its manufacture date. However, you need to fill up Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form. The form should be received by Customs when you import it. (Source: US Customs and Border Protection & Carused.jp)
Take note that California imposes different regulations on JDM vehicles. It is a lot stricter to own a JDM in the said state. It should comply with California’s emissions policies. You must also put a California BAR label for title and registration purposes. (Source: Top Rank International Vehicle Importers)
Conclusion
There are many things to like when it comes to Japanese vehicles. The roster of data that was provided here depicts the appeal of JDM vehicles. Notably, Japan has strong importation, exportation, marketability, and manufacturing capability. The auto industry is also competitive and has been thriving over the years. It goes without saying that, JDM vehicles are good investments and profit prospects.
Related JDM guides
Use these companion guides to compare nearby choices and buying risks:
- Will the Price of JDM Cars Ever Go Down?
- RoRo Shipping vs. Container Shipping: Best for Shipping A JDM Car?
- 13 Best Marketplaces to Find JDM Cars for Sale in 2026
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