Japan vs United States: Solar Import Comparison 2026
Compare every aspect of importing solar panels to Japan and United States β tariffs, certifications, logistics, and market dynamics side by side.
Both Japan and United States offer distinct import dynamics. Review the metrics below to pick the right sourcing strategy for your project.
| Metric | π Japan Asia | π United States North America |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 0% (GSP / MFN for Chinese modules) | 0% (Section 201 safeguard expired Feb 2026) |
| Anti-Dumping | None | AD/CVD from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia (2024 petition), 25% Section 301 on China-origin cells |
| VAT / Sales Tax | 10% consumption tax | Sales tax varies by state (0-9%) |
| CBAM Applicable | β No | β No |
| Main Ports | Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe | Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Houston, Savannah, New York/Newark |
| Typical Lead Time | 12-18 days sea freight from Shanghai | 18-28 days sea freight from Shanghai to LA/Long Beach |
| Preferred Incoterms | CIF Yokohama/Osaka, DDP | CIF Long Beach, DDP |
| Top Brands | Sharp (local), Panasonic (local), Kyocera (local), JinkoSolar, Q CELLS | First Solar (local), JinkoSolar US, Qcells (Georgia plant), LONGi, Canadian Solar |
| Popular Wattage | 400-470W mono (residential + small C&I), tight roof fit important | 550-600W bifacial for utility, 400-440W mono for residential |
| Q1 2026 Landed Price | Landed CIF Yokohama TOPCon 430W: ~$0.12-0.14/W (Q1 2026). Premium market, quality-first over price. | Landed CIF LA utility-scale TOPCon 610W: ~$0.15-0.18/W (Q1 2026). UFLPA compliance documentation mandatory. |
Regulatory Notes
π Japan
Japan transitioning FITβFIP (feed-in premium) reshaping project economics. JET certification mandatory and slow (3-6 months for new models). Typhoon/snow-rated mounting required. Premium over mainstream markets.
π United States
UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) blocks all Xinjiang-sourced materials β requires complete polysilicon traceability. IRA domestic content bonus (10%) available for US-made cells+modules. AD/CVD circumvention investigation on SE Asia imports.
JUST SOLAR β Japan Delivery
JUST SOLAR provides JET-certified modules for Japanese market β tight residential-size modules available.
JUST SOLAR β United States Delivery
JUST SOLAR provides full UFLPA polysilicon traceability and ships weekly to Long Beach with customs pre-clearance support.
π Sourcing to both markets?
JUST SOLAR GROUP delivers to 40+ countries worldwide with localized compliance documentation and flexible payment terms.