7 Reasons Why You Should Buy Japanese Imports
Japanese imports are vehicles that are manufactured in Japan and exported to other countries. They are popular among car enthusiasts and buyers who are looking for quality, reliability, and affordability. In this article, we will explore the benefits of buying Japanese imports and how they can save you money and hassle in the long run.
1. Japanese imports are cheaper than domestic cars
One of the main advantages of buying Japanese imports is that they are cheaper than domestic cars. This is because Japan has lower production costs, lower taxes, and a favorable exchange rate. According to a study by Edmunds, the average price of a new car in Japan was $18,165 in 2019, compared to $36,718 in the US. This means that you can get a high-quality car for a fraction of the price of a domestic one.
2. Japanese imports have higher standards and quality
Another benefit of buying Japanese imports is that they have higher standards and quality than domestic cars. This is because Japan has strict regulations and inspections for its vehicles, ensuring that they meet the highest safety and environmental standards. Japanese cars are also known for their durability, reliability, and low maintenance costs. According to Consumer Reports, Japanese brands such as Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Mazda consistently rank among the top performers in terms of customer satisfaction, reliability, and resale value.
3. Japanese imports have more variety and options
If you are looking for a car that suits your personal preferences and needs, you will find more variety and options in Japanese imports than domestic cars. This is because Japan has a large and diverse car market, offering different models, styles, features, and technologies. Whether you are looking for a compact hatchback, a luxury sedan, a sports car, or an SUV, you will find something that matches your taste and budget in Japanese imports.
4. Japanese imports have lower import duties
Another reason why you should buy Japanese imports is that they have lower import duties than domestic cars. This is because Japan has free trade agreements with many countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. These agreements reduce or eliminate tariffs on imported goods, making them more affordable for consumers. For example, the US charges a 2.5% import duty on passenger cars from Japan, compared to 25% on pickup trucks from other countries.
5. Japanese imports have better fuel efficiency
If you are concerned about the environment and your fuel expenses, you will be happy to know that Japanese imports have better fuel efficiency than domestic cars. This is because Japan has strict fuel economy standards for its vehicles, requiring them to achieve an average of 40 miles per gallon by 2020. Japanese cars are also designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic, reducing drag and improving performance. According to the US Department of Energy, the most fuel-efficient cars in 2020 were all from Japan, such as the Toyota Prius Prime, the Honda Insight, and the Hyundai Ioniq.
6. Japanese imports have easier access to parts and service
Another advantage of buying Japanese imports is that they have easier access to parts and service than domestic cars. This is because Japan has a well-established network of dealerships, mechanics, and suppliers that can provide you with quality service and support. You can also find genuine parts online or at local shops at reasonable prices. You don’t have to worry about compatibility issues or long waiting times when you need to repair or maintain your Japanese import.
7. Japanese imports have more resale value
Finally, buying a Japanese import can be a smart investment because it has more resale value than a domestic car. This is because Japanese cars retain their value better than domestic cars due to their popularity, quality, and reliability. You can sell your Japanese import at a higher price than a domestic one when you want to upgrade or change your car. You can also trade it in for another Japanese import at a favorable rate.
As you can see, there are many reasons why you should buy Japanese imports in 2021. They are cheaper, higher-quality, more varied, more efficient, easier to service, and more valuable than domestic cars. They can save you money and hassle in the long run and give you a satisfying driving experience.
How Japanese Import Duties Affect the Global Demand for Its Products
Japan is one of the world’s largest economies and trading partners, with a total export of 641.3 billion US dollars and a total import of 635.4 billion US dollars in 2023. Japan has a positive trade balance of 5.9 billion US dollars, meaning that it exports more than it imports. Japan’s main export products are machinery, electrical equipment, vehicles, optical instruments, and chemicals. Japan’s main import products are mineral fuels, machinery, electrical equipment, food products, and textiles.
The Effect of Import Duties on Japan’s Trade
Import duties are taxes that a country imposes on goods that are brought into its territory from another country. Import duties can have various effects on trade, such as protecting domestic industries, raising government revenue, or influencing consumer behavior. Japan’s average applied tariff rate is one of the lowest in the world, at 2.22% for most favored nation (MFN) status and 3.23% for simple average MFN status. Japan’s import duties vary by product category, with higher rates for agricultural products (15.5%) and lower rates for non-agricultural products (2.5%). Japan also has free trade agreements with several countries and regions, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which reduce or eliminate tariffs on many goods.
The Impact of Import Duties on Global Demand
The impact of import duties on global demand depends on several factors, such as the price elasticity of demand, the availability of substitutes, and the degree of competition. Price elasticity of demand measures how responsive consumers are to changes in prices. If demand is elastic, consumers will buy less of a good when its price increases, and vice versa. If demand is inelastic, consumers will buy roughly the same amount of a good regardless of price changes. The availability of substitutes refers to how easily consumers can switch to other goods that satisfy their needs or preferences. The degree of competition refers to how many sellers offer similar or identical goods in the market.
Generally speaking, import duties tend to decrease the global demand for imported goods, as they make them more expensive and less attractive to consumers. However, the magnitude of this effect depends on the factors mentioned above. For example, if Japan imposes high import duties on food products, this may have a significant impact on global demand, as food is an essential good with few substitutes and high price elasticity. On the other hand, if Japan imposes low import duties on machinery or electrical equipment, this may have a smaller impact on global demand, as these goods are more specialized, have more substitutes, and have lower price elasticity.
Japan’s import duties have an effect on the global demand for its products, but the extent of this effect varies by product category and market conditions. Japan’s low average tariff rate suggests that it is open to trade and does not rely heavily on import duties for protection or revenue. However, Japan’s higher tariff rate for agricultural products indicates that it still has some barriers to trade in this sector, which may affect its competitiveness and consumer welfare.
References:
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/6958854.pdf
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/6958854.pdf
https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/JPN
https://www.easyship.com/duties-and-taxes-calculator/japan
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/japan-import-tariffs
https://www.japanesecartrade.com/
https://www.japan-partner.com/
https://www.japancardirect.com/
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