
The UK is a stable, open and innovation-driven market for Japanese firms to invest in
The UK offers generous R&D tax relief for Japanese businesses
9 July 2025 | Author: Yusuke Takanishi
The UK is fertile ground for Japanese firms who are looking for new global investment opportunities after US President, Donald Trump’s latest tariff hike
Yusuke Takanishi, Partner, said:
In light of Donald Trump escalating the tariffs on Japanese exports to 25%, the UK stands out as a stable, open and innovation-driven market for Japanese firms reassessing their global investment strategies.
Japanese businesses are already finding that the UK is fertile ground for co-operation and investment. Projects like the floating data centre planned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and the British company Kinetics, exemplify the opportunity for Japanese companies to deepen their UK collaboration in a way that is not only technologically forward-thinking but also tax-efficient.
The UK offers generous R&D tax relief on qualifying innovation and development activities, and the Patent Box regime can significantly reduce the tax rate on profits derived from UK-held intellectual property.
The UK–Japan business relationship is backed by strong bilateral ties through the UK–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) membership.
Yusuke said:
At a time when external trade barriers are rising, the UK–Japan business relationship continues to offer practical, long-term advantages for both countries. And supports Japanese investment in the UK’s technology, energy, and infrastructure.
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