1.
trading company; trading house
A company that engages in import/export and international trade. Japanese trading companies (especially 総合商社) are distinctive corporate entities that trade in a vast range of goods and invest globally.
大手商社に就職する。
To get a job at a major trading company.
商社マンは海外出張が多い。
Trading company employees travel abroad frequently.
日本の総合商社は資源から食品まで幅広く扱っている。
Japan's general trading companies deal in a wide range of goods, from natural resources to food products.
A key concept in Japanese business. 総合商社 (general trading companies) such as 三菱商事, 三井物産, and 伊藤忠商事 are among Japan's largest corporations. 専門商社 (specialized trading companies) focus on specific industries. The informal term 商社マン refers to employees of trading companies. Not to be confused with the homophone 勝者 (winner).