Japan putting ‘all options on table’ in dealing with U.S. auto tariffs, PM Ishiba says

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba considers all options in response to U.S. tariffs on automobile imports.

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba said on Thursday (March 27, 2025) Tokyo will put "all options on the table" in dealing with Washington's announcement to impose a 25% tariff on automobile imports.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 26, 2025) unveiled a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks starting next week, widening the global trade war he kicked off upon regaining the White House this year.

Also Read | Trump places 25% tariff on automobile imports, expecting to raise $100 billion in tax revenues

"Japan is making significant amounts of investment to the United States. It's also creating jobs," Mr. Ishiba told Parliament.

"Japan is a country that is making the largest amount of investment to the United States, so we wonder if it makes sense for (Washington) to apply uniform tariffs to all countries. That is a point we've been making and will continue to do so," he said.

Analysts say the move could deal a heavy blow on Japan's economy given its reliance on auto exports to the United States.

Automobiles made up 28.3% of Japan's total exports to the United States in 2024, the biggest ratio among all items, according to Ministry of Finance data.