Berkshire may boost Japan trading house holdings: Itochu

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Berkshire Hathaway is considering increasing its ownership stake from about 10% to 15% in several major Japanese trading houses, including Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Mitsui, Marubeni, and Itochu. This potential expansion highlights Berkshire’s continued confidence in these firms’ strong global networks and capital management, reinforcing their strategic value in international markets.

Berkshire Hathaway is reportedly considering increasing its investment in major Japanese trading houses, according to Masahiro Okafuji, chairperson of the Japan Foreign Trade Council. Okafuji, who also leads the trading house Itochu, said the U.S. investment firm intends to maintain long-term holdings in the sector and may expand its current stakes.

Berkshire currently holds more than 10% in five of Japan’s largest trading firms, including Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Mitsui, Marubeni, and Itochu. The investment conglomerate first entered the Japanese trading house market over six years ago and has steadily grown its share since then. Berkshire also regularly issues bonds denominated in Japanese yen as part of its ties to the country.

During a meeting earlier this month with Berkshire CEO Greg Abel, Okafuji was informed of the firm’s positive view of the trading houses’ competitive advantages. He said Berkshire values their “economic moat,” which includes extensive global networks and sophisticated capital allocation capabilities. These factors create high barriers to entry that align with Berkshire’s investment philosophy.

Okafuji noted that Berkshire does not scrutinize the business operations of the trading houses closely, underscoring the trust placed in their management. While Berkshire currently holds around a 10% stake, the firm indicated it would not object to increasing its share to 15%, signaling potential for a larger ownership role.

Despite frequent discussions about business collaborations between Berkshire and these Japanese firms, Okafuji highlighted possible conflicts of interest given Berkshire’s status as a significant shareholder. Any expansion of business partnerships would need to carefully navigate these shareholder dynamics.

Berkshire’s potential decision to boost its holdings reflects continued confidence in Japan’s trading houses amid their role as key intermediaries in global commerce and investment. The firm’s ongoing engagement with the sector further underscores the strategic importance of Japanese trading companies in international financial markets.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.