Calculate Your Landed Cost
Adjust values for Paper & Packaging from Japan
How Tariffs Stack
Each layer adds to the total cost — amounts based on customs value
Full Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
How the Tariff Rate is Calculated
The tariff structure for paper & packaging follows the US stacking formula: the MFN base rate of 2%, plus bilateral deal rate of 15%. The special tariff layer (the highest of Section 122, Section 232, or bilateral rates) is 15%, which combines with the MFN base to produce a subtotal before Section 301 duties. Adding all layers yields a total tariff rate of 17%. On a customs value of $10,600.00, this translates to total duties of $1,802.00, plus the Merchandise Processing Fee of $36.72 and Harbor Maintenance Fee of $13.25. The total landed cost including all fees reaches $12,451.97.
Trade Context
The United States imported $148B in goods from Japan in 2024, making it a significant trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Key import categories from Japan include passenger vehicles, auto parts components, industrial machinery, reflecting the country's industrial and agricultural strengths. Paper & Packaging represents an important segment of this trade relationship, with demand driven by both price competitiveness and product availability in the US market. The bilateral trade volume underscores the economic significance of tariff policy decisions affecting imports from Japan.
What Happens When Section 122 Expires?
Section 122 does not directly affect imports of paper & packaging from Japan because the bilateral trade agreement rate of 15% replaces the standard Section 122 surcharge. If Section 122 expires on July 24, 2026, the bilateral deal terms may be renegotiated. Importers should monitor developments in the bilateral relationship and any potential changes to the negotiated rate structure.
Alternative Sourcing Countries for Paper & Packaging
Importers looking for lower tariff costs on paper & packaging may consider sourcing from South Korea (effective rate 15%, saving approximately 2.0 percentage points); Germany (effective rate 15%, saving approximately 2.0 percentage points); Taiwan (effective rate 15%, saving approximately 2.0 percentage points). Compared to Japan's total effective rate of 17%, these alternatives offer potential cost savings depending on the specific product classification and applicable trade agreements. Each alternative carries its own tariff structure, so importers should calculate the full landed cost before switching suppliers.
Tariff Timeline for Japan
Section 232 steel/aluminum raised to 50%
Section 232 25% tariff on Japanese autos takes effect
Section 122 uniform 15% surcharge enacted
Japan bilateral deal at 15% takes effect (de facto)
Frequently Asked Questions
The current total tariff rate on Paper & Packaging from Japan is 17%. This is composed of the following layers: MFN base rate: 2%; Bilateral deal rate: 15%. The effective tariff rate after all layers is 17%.
For a $10,000 shipment of Paper & Packaging from Japan, you can expect to pay approximately $1,700.00 in total duties at the current rate of 17%. Additional fees include the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and, for ocean shipments, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). The total landed cost for a $10,000 order would be approximately $11,700.00, representing an effective cost increase of 17% over the FOB price. Use our tariff calculator for precise calculations based on your specific shipment value and shipping method.
The standard Section 122 surcharge has been replaced by a bilateral deal rate of 15% for Japan. This bilateral agreement, effective since 2026-03-01, supersedes the general Section 122 rate. The bilateral rate applies instead of (not in addition to) the Section 122 surcharge.
Section 122 does not currently apply to Paper & Packaging from Japan, so its expiration on July 24, 2026 would not directly change the tariff cost. The current tariff rate of 17% would remain based on other applicable tariff layers. However, broader trade policy changes surrounding the Section 122 expiration could affect overall tariff structures.
For Paper & Packaging, alternative sourcing countries to consider instead of Japan include South Korea (effective rate: 15%), Germany (effective rate: 15%), Taiwan (effective rate: 15%). Compared to Japan's total effective rate of 17%, these alternatives may offer lower landed costs depending on the specific HTS classification. Use our country comparison tool to see a detailed side-by-side analysis of tariff costs.