U.S. Auto Tariffs Grind Japan Makers' Gears

   Tokyo, April 3 (Jiji Press)--The United States' 25 pct tariff on automobile imports is causing a headache to Japanese automakers, as raising prices in response to the levy may fuel consumer reluctance to buy Japanese vehicles.
   The auto industry hopes for the additional tariff, which kicked in Thursday, to be lifted as soon as possible through negotiations between the Japanese and U.S. governments, with an expected fall in U.S. vehicle sales estimated to lead to job cuts for around 50,000 workers.
   In 2024, U.S. sales made up 70 pct of Subaru Corp.'s global sales. The share was between 20 pct and 40 pct at Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp.
   Many of their vehicles sold in the key market are imported from Japan or from Canada and Mexico, which were already subject to high tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, so the latest levy is certain to deal a further blow to Japanese carmakers.
   A decline in vehicle production as a result of lower U.S. demand is sure to impact many industries, as auto manufacturing involves a variety of businesses such as parts makers, steelmakers and electronic parts producers.

(2025/04/03-18:41)