by Preparing to Import Cars from the USA
Toyota is preparing for an unusual step: starting next year, the company plans to import cars from the United States to Japan. This decision, at least in part, is a reaction to pressure from the Trump administration, which has long expressed concern about the U.S. trade deficit with Japan. Officially, however, Toyota presents this step as a way to offer Japanese buyers a greater choice.
And it is not alone: similar strategies are reportedly being considered by other major Japanese automakers, including Honda and Nissan.
Which Models Might Appear in Japan?
The first imported cars will likely include the best-selling Camry, followed by other popular models such as the Highlander SUV and the full-size Tundra pickup. None of these models are currently offered on Toyota’s domestic market.
However, it remains unclear whether this plan makes economic sense, given the higher production and transportation costs associated with American labor and shipping.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the U.S. trade imbalance with Japan, often pointing to what he sees as unfair trade barriers that limit the success of American cars abroad, while ignoring differences in consumer preferences. For example, the U.S. is dominated by full-size pickups and SUVs, while Japan prefers compact city cars and kei cars.
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, for his part, has shown interest in exploring the possibility of importing American cars to Japan.
Who Else Might Join?
Honda is also reportedly considering a similar move, with potential imports including the Ridgeline pickup, the Pilot SUV, and several Acura electric models produced in the USA. Honda has gone this route before, albeit in a limited format, with the FCX and FCX Clarity hydrogen models, both of which were sold in Japan in very small numbers.
Nissan may follow this example with models such as the Murano and Pathfinder SUVs, neither of which is currently available on its domestic market.
Expecting Regulatory Changes
A key element of this plan is regulatory changes, part of a recent trade deal between Japan and the United States. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is working on a new certification procedure that will allow approval of U.S.-made cars solely through documentation checks, without the need for additional domestic testing.
If this change is implemented, the new rules could take effect as early as 2026, sharply lowering the barrier for American cars to enter the Japanese market.
The Trump administration has also stated that Toyota agreed to open its Japanese dealer network to American brands such as Ford and General Motors. However, whether this development will lead to significant changes will depend on how these companies decide to use this opportunity.
This potential shift in the trade landscape could have far-reaching consequences not only for automakers but also for consumers in both countries. Opening the Japanese market to larger, America-oriented cars could gradually influence transportation habits and demand, especially if these models are presented with attractive prices or unique features. The success of this initiative could also serve as a test of the flexibility of global automotive supply chains and trade agreements in response to political pressure.
