Japan-China trade in 2024 totaled .575 billion, decreasing for the third consecutive year. Japan's exports to China were .456 billion, down 2.7% from the previous year, with major changes seen in key categories.
The most notable change was in electrical equipment, particularly with integrated circuit exports decreasing 6.7%, significantly impacting overall exports. Semiconductor manufacturing equipment conversely increased 24.9%, indicating steady demand in the Chinese market. In automotive-related areas, passenger car exports decreased 4.6%, with significant drops in electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle exports.
Medical supplies and pharmaceutical exports increased 28.7%, while cosmetics decreased 26.7%, roughly halving compared to the 2021 peak. Industrial robot exports decreased 18.9%, reflecting improved domestic production capacity in China. Plastic products increased 4.8%, showing different trends by category.
The trade balance showed a deficit of .066 billion, marking the third consecutive year of deficit since 2022. In China's automotive market, Chinese brand market share reached 65.2%, while Japanese manufacturers' share declined to 11.2%. Overall, Japan-China trade in 2024 showed major structural changes in semiconductors, automobiles, and electronic equipment sectors, serving as important indicators for future bilateral economic relations.