by Preparation for Trump’s Visit
The Japanese government is considering purchasing over a hundred Ford F-150 pickups ahead of the planned visit of US President Donald Trump. These vehicles are planned to be used for road and dam inspections. One of the pickups may be displayed near the Akasaka Palace, where Trump will stay during his visit.
Trade Disparity
Trump has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the low sales of American cars in Japan. In 2024, only 16,000 American-made cars were sold in the country. For comparison, Japanese automakers exported 1.37 million vehicles to the US during the same period.
Trump gave Japanese automakers significant tariff benefits
Implementation Problems
However, there is a serious obstacle to implementing this plan. Ford officially left the Japanese market in 2016, so there are no official dealerships or service centers in the country to service the F-150. The government will have to seek independent mechanics to service the fleet.
Japanese Market Specifics
Large American SUVs and pickups have never been popular in Japan due to narrow streets and limited parking spaces, making smaller domestic models more practical. The government has limited options to stimulate the purchase of American cars by the private sector.
Market Prospects
Interestingly, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda recently expressed interest in importing some of the brand’s models manufactured in the US, including the Tundra. This step could test the readiness of Japanese consumers to buy large American-type vehicles.
This initiative demonstrates how trade relations can influence political decisions. Although the purchase of a small number of pickups is unlikely to change structural trade problems, it may symbolize a readiness for dialogue. The potential import of the Toyota Tundra from the US could open new opportunities for American automakers in the Japanese market, which has traditionally been a difficult target due to cultural and infrastructural specifics.
