Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Japan exported more than 1.37 million cars to the U.S. last year – versus the less than 17.000, the U.S. exported to Japan.
During a stop in Japan, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a surprising endorsement — urging American troops to purchase cars made by Japanese manufacturer, Toyota.
According to The Independent, the remark came after years of his complaints about the scarcity of American-made vehicles on Japanese roads.
Trump made the comment aboard the USS George Washington at Yokosuka naval base, as he highlighted Toyota’s pledge to invest $10 billion in new manufacturing plants across the United States.
“They’re going to be putting auto plants all over the United States to the tune of $10 billion,” Trump told service members, The Independent report. “So that’s Toyota, so go out and buy a Toyota.”
America Second?
The endorsement was striking for a president known for his “America First” rhetoric.
Trump has long pressed Japan to open its market to U.S. automakers, frequently citing the lopsided trade in vehicles between the two countries.
Japan exported more than 1.37 million cars to the United States last year, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.
In contrast, fewer than 17,000 American vehicles were imported into Japan, the Japan Automobile Importers Association reported.
Industry experts have often blamed Japan’s narrow streets, small parking spaces, and consumer preferences for compact European models as factors behind the imbalance.
A red carpet welcome
Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, had been in office for just a week when she welcomed Trump with an elaborate display meant to appeal to his tastes.
Before their meeting, Trump was greeted by a gleaming American-made Ford F-150 — a symbolic nod to Japan’s consideration of buying a fleet of the pickup trucks.
The gesture impressed the president. “She has good taste,” Trump told reporters during the Asia trip. “That’s a hot truck.”
Takaichi’s overture reflected her government’s efforts to build goodwill with Washington while showcasing Japan’s openness to U.S. industry.
Why U.S. cars struggle
Despite the occasional high-profile promotion, American vehicles remain rare sights on Japanese roads.
Analysts say the mismatch extends beyond taste. Many American cars have left-side steering, incompatible with Japan’s right-side road systems and toll gates.
Lower fuel efficiency and limited maintenance networks have further dampened demand.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba summed it up bluntly earlier this year: “Why don’t American cars sell well in Japan? Because they lack understanding for road conditions and housing situations, as well as energy conservation.”
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation
