Japan Used Car Market 2025 Review | Prices & Export Risks

And What Overseas Dealers Should Prepare for in 2026

Hello, and welcome.
As 2025 comes to an end, many overseas dealers may share the same concerns:

• “Why didn’t Japanese used car prices go down?”
• “Why is shipping delayed at certain ports?”

This year, Japan’s export market was shaped by two major forces:

1. Record-high used car prices, and
2. Operational issues surrounding radiation inspections, which affected export schedules.

In this report, we look back at what happened in 2025 and outline what overseas dealers should prepare for in 2026.

1. Why Did Used Car Prices Remain High in 2025?

Many expected the market to cool down, but prices stayed high for most popular models.
This was not caused by one event, but rather a “five-year chain reaction.”

1) The “2020 Gap” — A Missing Supply of Used Cars

In 2020, global factories temporarily stopped due to COVID.
The new cars that should have been produced that year never existed.

As a result, the Japanese market has been short of:

• 3-year-old cars
• 5-year-old cars
• High-quality ex-lease cars

This supply shortage will continue into 2026 and beyond.

2) New Car Prices Increased 20–30%

From 2023 to 2025, new car prices rose sharply due to:

• Higher material costs
• Mandatory safety systems
• A weak Japanese yen (making imported parts expensive)

This pushed more domestic users to buy used cars instead of new ones—
which kept used car prices high.

3) Domestic Buyers and Export Buyers Are Competing

In 2025, Japan’s domestic demand stayed strong.
At the same time, overseas buyers also needed high-quality Japanese cars.

This competition kept auction prices elevated, especially for:

• SUVs
• Minivans
• Pickup trucks
• Commercial vans

2. Radiation Inspection: What Happened in 2025?

Radiation inspections have been part of Japan’s export process since 2011.
In 2025, the system itself came under review, leading to temporary confusion at several ports.

1) 1.22 million cars inspected, zero exceeded the standard

Public data from Kawasaki Port (2019–2025) shows:

• 1,220,000 cars inspected
• 0 cases exceeded the allowed radiation level

In other words, nearly all cars showed only natural background radiation
(the level naturally found in the environment).

2) The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport pointed out issues

In 2025, Japan’s Ministry noted that:

“Certain inspection procedures may lack a clear legal basis.”

This did not declare the inspections illegal,
but it highlighted the need for a review of the system.

3) Industry and labor groups requested continued safety checks

Port workers expressed concerns about safety and preferred to continue inspections.
Balancing operational efficiency and worker safety became a key issue.

4) Re-tendering and administrative adjustments created delays

At some ports, the selection process for inspection companies was re-tendered.
This caused temporary uncertainty regarding:

• Who performs the inspection
• Under what conditions
• What fees apply

This uncertainty created delays and scheduling difficulties at busy ports.

3. Which Markets and Ports Were Most Affected in 2025?

■ Russia

As one of the largest importers of Japanese used cars,
Russia was directly affected by port delays and inspection bottlenecks.

■ New Zealand

NZ cares more about BMSB (brown marmorated stink bug) treatment than radiation,
and seasonal fumigation rules led to schedule changes.

■ Kenya and African markets

Strict age rules (e.g., the 8-year limit) mean even small delays can make a car non-eligible for import.

■ Ports

• Yokohama / Kawasaki: High volume, most affected by administrative adjustments
• Nagoya / Kobe / Hakata: Often used as alternative loading ports

Understanding port characteristics became essential in 2025.

4. What Overseas Dealers Should Prepare for in 2026

Based on 2025’s challenges, the winning strategies of 2026 will be:

1) Diversify your export ports

Avoid relying on a single port.
If one location experiences delays,
alternative ports ensure a stable supply chain.

2) Build “time flexibility” into contracts

Add clauses such as:

“Shipping may be delayed due to domestic inspection or port procedures.”

This small line can prevent major misunderstandings.

3) Expect high prices for high-quality cars

The 2020 supply gap will remain until at least 2027–2028.
So in 2026:

• Low-mileage cars
• Newer models
• Clean commercial vans

will remain expensive.

Planning your stock purchases with this reality will protect your margins.

Conclusion: 2025 Was a Year of Structural Change

In summary:

• Used car prices stayed high due to long-term supply and demand factors
• The radiation inspection system entered a review phase
• Some ports experienced schedule disruptions
• Exporters and overseas dealers had to adapt quickly

2026 is expected to be a year where improvements begin—
but system reforms take time.

The most successful overseas dealers will be those who:

• Stay informed
• Spread risk across multiple ports
• Build flexible timelines into their operations

Japan’s used car export market remains strong and full of opportunity.
With the right preparation, 2026 can be your most successful year yet.