Japan to Watch Impact of Possible U.S. Auto Tariff: Motegi

May 15, 2018

Tokyo- Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tuesday that he will wait and see how Japanese companies could be affected by a possible new tariff on automobiles imported to the United States.

"I'll keep an eye on (U.S.) moves and their effects on Japanese companies," Motegi told a news conference, referring to recent media reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a 20 pct tariff on auto imports.

Motegi declined to make a detailed comment because it is not clear whether and how the proposal is being considered.

Japanese automakers produce three-fourths of their vehicles for the U.S. market locally, Motegi said, adding that 20 pct of Japan's total vehicle exports go to the United States. Jiji Press