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2025-10-30 20:01:11
[Japanese Automakers' "Re-import" of US-made Cars to Save the Day: Symbolic Significance] ⑴ Toyota and Nissan both stated this week that they are "studying" and "seriously considering" re-exporting vehicles from their US factories to Japan. The aim is not profit, but rather to demonstrate their willingness to cooperate in reducing the trade surplus. ⑵ Industry estimates suggest an annual scale of only about 20,000 vehicles, a drop in the ocean compared to Japan's nearly 1.4 million vehicle exports to the US last year and the US trade deficit with Japan of $68.5 billion. ⑶ US-spec cars are left-hand drive, larger, and have different safety standards, requiring government coordination on standards and conversion to right-hand drive, with cost and time being the biggest obstacles. ⑷ Data from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association shows that Japanese brands will produce 3.3 million vehicles in the US by 2024, far exceeding the re-import plan, indicating that localized production remains the main focus. ⑸ Analysts say this move has "huge symbolic significance," intended to send goodwill to Trump's tariff rhetoric and maintain Japan-US relations. The market is currently focused on whether the Tokyo government will quickly introduce a mutual recognition standard plan.
