トランプ政権せいけん 自動車じどうしゃに25％の追加ついか関税かんぜい発動はつどう 日本にっぽんに打撃だげきも

The Trump administration in the United States imposed an additional 25% tariff on imported automobiles on the 3rd, Japan time.

It is not only a blow to the Japanese automobile industry, which exports many cars and parts to the United States, but there is also concern about a significant impact on the global economy

An additional 25% tariff measure was implemented shortly after 1 p.m. Japan time on the 3rd.

Cars imported from all countries and regions, including Japan, are subject to this.

<br><br>In the case of Japan, passenger cars are 2

5%, trucks were subject to a maximum tariff of 25%, but an additional 25% was added, making passenger cars 27

5%, trucks will be up to 50%

<br><br>In addition, it states that an additional 25% tariff will be imposed on major components such as engines by May 3rd.

<br><br>President Trump repeatedly emphasizes that the importation of a large number of unfairly cheap cars is causing factories and jobs in the United States to move overseas, and he indicates that the current tariffs are seen as a permanent measure.

It is not that the newly announced 24% reciprocal tariffs will be added to the tariffs on automobiles, but it is feared that it will not only be a blow to Japans automobile industry, which exports many cars and parts to the United States, but also have a significant impact on the global economy.

<br>[Explanation] What are the aims and impacts of additional tariffs?<br>This is an explanation by Tomokazu Kamiki from the International Department and Yosuke Ikegawa from the Economic Department.

<br><br>Q

President Trumps aim is<br><br>A

In a word, it is to revitalize the domestic automobile industry in the United States.

President Trump has repeatedly made this claim during the election period.

In the United States, there is a growing trend of manufacturers, starting with the automotive industry, moving factories to countries like Mexico where labor costs are lower, and it is argued that this has resulted in job losses.

This situation will continue if a large number of low-priced cars are imported from abroad

The aim is to reduce imports from overseas and increase production in America by imposing additional tariffs on automobiles.

In fact, moves that can be said to be as expected are emerging, such as a major South Korean automaker revealing a huge investment within the United States.

<br><br>質問

The impact of additional tariffs on automobiles on Japan<br><br>A

Automobiles have been a key industry supporting the Japanese economy.

It is also pointed out that there could be serious impacts here.

America is Japans largest export partner, but as much as 30% of the exports to America are automobiles.

Due to the recent tariff increase, Japanese automobile manufacturers may experience a decline in local sales and a decrease in profits, which could negatively impact their management.

Further concern is the impact on various industries related to automobiles, such as parts and materials.

There are concerns that the impact may also extend to production, capital investment, and employment, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

Japans GDP is 0

There are private estimates that suggest a 2% decrease, and it is expected to have a significant impact.

<br><br>Q

The response of Japanese car manufacturers and the Japanese government is<br><br>A

Automobile manufacturers are considering measures to minimize the impact on their performance.

For example, increasing local production of automobiles to avoid tariffs could be considered, but there is a limit to the capacity of factories to increase production, and it is difficult to immediately respond by increasing production.

Another measure is to pass on the cost of tariffs to the selling price, but this may lead to a decrease in sales locally.

For this reason, we are first trying to mitigate the impact on management by promoting the reduction of procurement and production costs.

The Japanese government intends to continue urging the United States to exclude Japan from the tariff targets, and to expedite considerations for measures such as financial support for Japanese companies affected by the tariff measures.

<br><br>Q,（改行改行Q）

Impact on American automakers, impact on the global economy<br><br>A

There is a strong view that American car manufacturers cannot avoid the impact.

This is because there are few manufacturers that complete automobile production within the United States, and many cases rely on importing parts and other components.

For example, in countries bordering Mexico and Canada, not only is production carried out locally, but the manufacturing process also involves crossing the border with the United States multiple times.

If tariffs are imposed each time, the cost burden will be extremely large for American manufacturers as well.

Furthermore, if countries take retaliatory measures, including the reciprocal tariffs announced by President Trump on the 2nd, trade friction is expected to intensify, and the impact on the global economy is expected to spread further.

How each country will respond is facing a difficult situation.

In the United States, there is a rush in demand. The car dealership located in Southfield, Michigan, in the Midwest, handles cars from Japanese and Korean manufacturers.

<br><br>Due to President Trumps announcement of imposing tariffs on imported cars, sales in March increased by more than 30% compared to the same month last year.

<br><br>The NHK reporting team visited the company on a weekday April 1st, and customers were continuously visiting the showroom to inquire about sales prices and stock status.

<br><br>The woman who visited the store said, I have no idea how tomorrows car prices will be affected by tariffs.

I was saying that I might need an extra $10,000 due to tariffs, so I want to get the car cheaply.

<br><br>Also, the woman who bought a car on this day said, I made the decision to buy a car a month ago, and it was the perfect timing before the price increase.

I made a really good purchase, they said.

<br><br>George Glassman, the president of the dealership, said, Many consumers want to purchase cars before the tariffs take effect, and it has been very busy these past few weeks.

We are increasing our inventory of new and used cars over the past month or two to meet customer demand.

If supply and demand become tight, the prices of not only new cars but also used cars may rise, he said.

<br><br>On the other hand, the company is concerned that if the price of automobiles rises due to the tariffs on imported cars by the Trump administration, it could potentially have a negative impact on management in the future.

<br><br>President Glassman said, With interest rates high and cars already at record high prices, adding tariffs could potentially dampen consumer purchasing interest.

Many consumers are concerned that they may stop visiting showrooms, he said.

<br>Is it difficult to add the tariff to the selling price?<br>According to estimates by Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, if the 25% additional tariff is directly passed on to the selling price of new cars, the selling price in the United States will average 8

It is expected to rise by 1%

<br><br>As a result, consumer purchasing intent decreased, and the number of new car sales in America was 12

It is estimated to decrease by 1%.

<br><br>For this reason, it is difficult for automobile manufacturers to simply add the tariff amount to the selling price, and it is widely viewed that it will be necessary to seek cooperation from parts manufacturers and proceed with cost reductions.

<br><br>Additionally, the American financial giant JP Morgan has estimated that if automakers pass on all the costs to the selling price after the tariff measures on imported cars and others are implemented by the Trump administration, prices will rise by 11%.

<br>Expert: Unpredictable price increases will occur<br>Amid concerns about rising new car sales prices, the influential American newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, reported on March 27 that President Trump urged the heads of major American automakers not to raise prices due to tariffs.

After that, President Trump denied in an interview with NBC in the United States, saying I didnt say that, and stated, If the prices of foreign cars go up, people will buy American cars, arguing that the imposition of tariffs would favor automobiles produced in America.

In response, Joseph Yoon, an analyst at the automotive research firm Edmunds, said, If tariffs on cars and car parts are imposed, many consumers will be surprised, shocked, and confused about what is happening.

Even cars that everyone thinks are Made in America have many parts imported from Canada or Mexico, so no automaker can escape this tariff, he pointed out.

<br><br>In addition, there will be a price increase that I have never seen and cannot predict.

For many American consumers, cars are the second largest monthly expense after housing.

The price increase due to the additional 25% tariff will become unacceptable for consumers, he said.

Serious impact concerns in Japan<br>Since more than 1.33 million passenger cars are exported from Japan to the United States, the 25% tariff measure on imported cars is likely to have a serious impact.

According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the number of passenger cars exported from Japan to the United States in 2024 was over 1.33 million units, accounting for one-third of all passenger cars exported from Japan.

According to a summary by the research company MarkLines, the number of vehicles exported from Japan to the United States by each manufacturer in 2024 was over 550,000 units for Toyota, accounting for 23% of the units sold in the United States in one year, over 290,000 units for SUBARU, accounting for 44%, and over 220,000 units for Mazda, accounting for 52%.

In addition, Nissan Motor accounts for 16% with 150,000 units, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation accounts for 72% with 80,000 units, indicating that the export ratio of medium-sized manufacturers is increasing.

<br><br>In the American market, besides Japan, Toyota and Honda are exporting from Canada and Mexico, and Nissan and Mazda are exporting from Mexico

<br>Toyota will not raise prices for sales in America for the time being<br>Toyota Motor Corporation has stated that for the time being, it will not raise local sales prices and will also protect domestic production scale and employment, commenting We will maintain the current operations for the time being.

<br><br>Toyota Motor Corporation plans to produce approximately 3.12 million vehicles domestically in 2024, of which over 530,000 units will be exported to the United States, making it one of the major factors driving their performance.

With an additional 25% tariff imposed from the 3rd, costs have significantly increased, but Toyota states that for the time being, they will not pass on these costs to local sales prices and increase prices.

It also comments that it will maintain the current operation for the time being, with the policy of protecting domestic production and employment of 3 million units per year, which is essential to ensure technological capabilities, etc.

<br><br>In addition, while they are considering working on reducing costs such as fixed expenses, a Toyota executive stated, There are limits to our efforts, so we need to consider different methods. Going forward, it will be a challenge to find measures to mitigate the impact on performance, such as whether to increase operations at factories in the United States and expand local production.

<br>Toyota factory employee: We can only watch<br>In Toyota Citys Motomachi plant, employees expressed concerns saying, We can only watch the situation, and We dont know what kind of impact it will have.

A male employee in his 50s said, It would be better if tariffs were as low as possible, and I hope the government takes action, but since I dont know if our sentiments will be heard, well just have to watch the situation,

Also, another male employee said, I saw the news, but I dont know what kind of impact it will have yet.

We hope to continue working steadily as usual, they said.

There is a possibility that cars may not sell in America, said a male employee in his 60s.

I dont know what will happen to production, but its a concern for us employees, they said.

<br>Kitakyushu parts manufacturers prepare for future changes<br>Amid concerns about the impact on Japans automotive industry, parts manufacturers in Kitakyushu City are moving to prepare for future changes

According to the prefecture, Fukuoka has a concentration of automotive-related industries, including major automobile manufacturers, with 630 companies located as of February.

<br><br>Among these, Tobata Turret Works, headquartered in Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu City, entered the automotive parts sector in 2009 and produces parts such as engines and steering components.

<br><br>At the company, we handle parts for cars exported to the United States, so we use the internet and other means to check information on tariffs daily.

<br><br>President Daiki Matsumoto of the company said, Since many of the cars produced in the Kyushu area are exported, there might be some impact,

We are keeping an eye on the news, but there are aspects beyond our control, so we would like to observe the situation and watch over it, they said.

<br><br>According to the Moji Customs, the export value of automobiles from the Kyushu economic zone last year was 3.5055 trillion yen, with approximately 30% of this, or 1.0099 trillion yen, going to the United States.

<br><br>Due to the tariff measures on imported cars by the Trump administration, an increase in car prices is expected, and there are concerns among manufacturers that this may lead to a decline in sales and a reduction in profits.

<br><br>For this reason, the company believes that strengthening competitiveness is essential to respond to future environmental changes.

<br><br>We are introducing robots into finishing tasks that were previously done by humans, and working to improve production efficiency, such as completing tasks that used to take a week for some parts in just one day.

<br><br>In addition, we are also focusing on the production of lighter parts using aluminum, which leads to improved fuel efficiency, by applying our unique technology for processing non-ferrous metals.

President Matsumoto said, We are promoting efforts to enhance productivity by introducing robots and using IT technology to increase productivity.

We just have to prepare thoroughly and work to withstand any situation, they said.

Shizuoka Kosai Parts Manufacturer Considering Further Cost Reduction Measures<br>The parts manufacturer Univance located in Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is engaged in the production of transmissions and related parts, supplying to automobile manufacturers exporting to the United States and also producing at its overseas factories.

Of the annual sales of approximately 500 billion yen, about 40% is directed to the United States, and with the implementation of an additional 25% tariff, we are considering measures in response to expected further cost reductions requested by automakers.

Specifically, we are considering reducing production costs by utilizing AI, or artificial intelligence, in the process of checking the quality of parts before shipment to ensure they are not damaged.

In the American factory where it has already been fully introduced, the work that used to be done by six people can now be done by one person in a short time, so the company expects cost reduction through efficiency.

<br><br>Mr. Norihiko Takao, President of Univalence, said, I think it will be a major blow to the automotive industry, and ultimately, it will affect our own management as well.

We can only do what we can within our capabilities, so we have no choice but to enhance our competitiveness as a company, he said.

Concerns about the impact on trade volume at Aichi Mikawa Port<br>Mikawa Port, spanning from Gamagori City in the eastern part of Aichi Prefecture through Toyokawa City and Toyohashi City to Tahara City, mainly exports finished vehicles, primarily Toyota cars, with the main export destination being the United States.

<br><br>Toyotas Tahara Plant, adjacent to Mikawa Port, has a dedicated pier, and many finished vehicles were lined up waiting to be loaded onto transport ships.

A representative from the Mikawa Port Office in Aichi Prefecture said, Since there are many exports to the United States, we believe that additional tariffs will affect the trade volume.

We dont know how far it will spread at this point, so we want to continue to keep an eye on the trends of car manufacturers, they said.

<br>President of Hyundai Motor, a major South Korean company, says We will not raise prices<br>The motor show starting on the 4th in Goyang city, Gyeonggi-do, near Seoul, will be attended by various domestic and foreign manufacturers

Three days before that, major South Korean automakers such as Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors made announcements.

<br><br>Among them, Hyundai Motors President and CEO Jose Munoz stated that they are analyzing the impact of the Trump administrations tariff policy.

<br><br>In addition, we always maintain our competitiveness

There are no plans to raise prices in the United States at this time, he said.

<br><br>Additionally, Kia Motors President and CEO Song Ho-sung mentioned regarding the sales price in the United States, We are not considering it at the moment

Its too early to talk about such things, he only stated.

<br><br>The export value of automobiles from South Korea to the United States accounts for approximately 49% of the total in 2024, and the South Korean government plans to announce urgent measures, including responses to additional auto tariffs, by April.