Japanese Auto Imports Not Affecting U.S. Security Negatively: Seko

August 2, 2018

Indianapolis- Visiting Japanese trade minister Hiroshige Seko reiterated Wednesday that imports of Japanese automobiles and auto parts pose no threat to the United States' national security.

Meeting Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in Indianapolis, Seko emphasized that auto imports from Japan, an ally of the United States, do not have negative security implications.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering additional tariffs on automotive imports for national security reasons.

Seko stressed that the United States' trade and investment relationship with Japan has contributed to the U.S. economy.

Holcomb indicated that he will pass on the messages from Japan to Mike Pence, his predecessor and now U.S. vice president, and other senior officials of the Trump administration.

Officials from local subsidiaries of three Japanese automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp. <7203> and Subaru Corp. <7270>, were also present at the talks.

Some of the auto industry officials voiced their concern that they were starting to see the effects of the additional steel and aluminum tariffs, which were introduced recently by the United States, in prices and other areas. Jiji Press