Last updated: 23 Mar 2012
Market profile
Insights and opportunities
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Doing Business
With a population of 127 million, Japan is the third largest global economy. The Japanese market is characterised by consumers with high levels of disposable income, and companies with a strong global orientation and willingness to invest in sustainable, long-term products and services.
More information on doing business in Japan
Country Profile
Content supplied by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- ECONOMIC CLIMATE
Japan's highly industrialised market economy is the third-largest in the world in terms of GDP.
» read more at DFAT
- TRADE RELATIONS
Japan is Australia's second largest export market, and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
» read more at DFAT
- FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
Negotiations on the Australia-Japan Free Trade Agreement commenced in April 2007.
» read more at DFAT
Top Business Risks
IP Passport fact sheets
These fact sheets outline foreign Intellectual Property (IP) regimes and some of the issues and challenges which may be faced by Australian exporters.
The current fact sheets are available on the IP Australia website.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.