Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Tokyo to Panama City

Shipping a car from Japan to the USA generally costs $1,500 to $3,000+ for ocean freight, but the total landed cost, including duties, fees, and transport, often ranges from $4,000 to $10,000+, depending heavily on the vehicle, chosen shipping method ( Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vs. container ), and destination port. Expect additional costs for customs, port fees, and potential compliance, plus recent tariffs adding to duties.

Shipping your car into Panama is expensive. Actually shipping costs will be at least $2000. If you don't qualify for duty fee import, the fee assessed will be between 15% - 25% of the value of the car. In addition, everyone must pay a 7% goods and services fee.

Three years after purchase, every new car has to go through an expensive inspection process, and once every two years after that. Furthermore, vehicles older than 10 years have to pass the inspection every year. As a result, most car owners in Japan write off their cars after 10 years and buy new ones.