About the Report

This report examines ongoing trade issues between the EU and Japan in the building and construction materials (BCM) sector. It focuses on four products: tiles, ceramics, insulation products and wooden products, and provides advice for European SMEs seeking to develop their business and exports to Japan. Much of the report is devoted to the presentation of key specificities of BCM in Japan as well as an analysis of the market, industry and regulatory framework. Japanese BCM market potential, outstanding obstacles and difficulties as well as opportunities for cooperation related to market access and opportunities for aligning regulations and standards are also discussed. In its conclusions, this study identifies several promising sectors for EU BCM companies and also highlights several “efficiency tools” which EU companies can use to better explore the BCM sector in Japan.

Report published by the EU-Japan Centre.