Japan
Overview
Japan is Queensland's largest merchandise export destination, with merchandise exports totalling $11.2B in 2010-11, (and growing at an average of 12 per cent over the past five years). Japan is also Queensland's largest overall trading partner, with two-way trade worth $14.8B in 2010-11.
While traditionally resources account for the majority of Queensland's exports to Japan, Japan is emerging as a strong export partner across a broad spectrum of industries from functional foods to clean technologies and education.
The demographics of Japan is shifting and creating opportunities for Queensland exporters in various areas, spanning functional foods, vocational education and aged and child care training. Japan has an ageing population and declining birth rate. One in five Japanese people are aged 65 years or older. As a result of the ageing population and declining confidence in the national health and pension systems, it is forecast that the working population will continue to work beyond the traditional retirement age and more women will return to the workforce after childbirth.
Trade and Investment Queensland is also focusing on building relationships in the clean energy technologies sector as part of its strategic project in renewable energies. Opportunities exist for Queensland companies to partner with Japanese companies to demonstrate and commercialise projects in areas such as biomass, solar, geothermal, coal seam gas and clean coal technologies.
Trade and Investment Queensland representation
Trade and Investment Queensland Japan is situated in Tokyo providing export advice and assistance to Queensland businesses. In June 2010 the office moved to new premises in Minato-ku, Tokyo. It continues to be co-located with Tourism Queensland.
In addition, our overseas market teams based in Brisbane work closely with our network of export advisers throughout Queensland and overseas, enhancing opportunities for mutual support and collaboration to help build the export capability of Queensland firms and help drive export growth.
Publications
Trade and Investment Queensland has a range of publications that provide more detailed information about export opportunities in Japan.
More information
For more information about how we can help you export to Japan contact Trade and Investment Queensland.
Our calendar of events and export training provides information about export and trade activities for Japan and other markets.
Last reviewed 06 March 2012
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