Japanese automaker Nissan Motor is considering relocating part of its production operations to the United States in response to newly imposed import tariffs by the administration of US President Donald Trump, Report informs, citing Japan's Nikkei business daily.
According to the publication, Nissan is exploring the possibility of moving production from its Fukuoka Prefecture facility, which manufactures the popular Rogue SUV for the American market. The shift aims to avoid the impact of new US trade barriers, but it may come at a cost to local Japanese suppliers, especially small and medium-sized component manufacturers who depend on the automaker.
On April 2, President Trump announced sweeping 10% universal tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories, effective April 5, with country-specific tariffs following on April 9. Additionally, the US introduced a 25% import tariff on all foreign-made vehicles starting April 3.
The Trump administration also declared a state of emergency in response to the current economic situation, underlining the dramatic shift in trade policy that is prompting companies like Nissan to reassess global manufacturing strategies.