Sign in Subscribe
Automobile industry

U.S. Automakers and Workers Urge Japan to Open Its Market to American Imports

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Leading representatives of America's car companies, auto workers, and parts suppliers gathered outside the International Trade Commission building in Washington, D.C. to emphasize the need for Japan to open its auto and auto parts market to U.S. imports. The group, including Andrew H. Card, Jr., President and CEO of the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA), expressed frustration with Japan's persistent refusal to grant fair commercial access to American-made vehicles and parts, despite years of negotiations and trade imbalances.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. has spent 25 years trying to negotiate the opening of Japan's auto and auto parts markets, with no success.
  • Japan has kept its markets closed while allowing Japanese-made vehicles to flood the U.S. market.
  • A nationwide poll found that 71% of Americans support the Administration's plan to double tariffs on Japanese-made luxury autos.
  • The U.S. is not seeking to close its market, but wants equal access to Japan's market to promote fair competition and reduce trade imbalances.
  • The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has members that include Chrysler Corporation (NYSE: C), Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), and General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM).
  • Participants emphasized that Japan's refusal to open its market has costly consequences for America, including mounting deficits for U.S. auto suppliers.
  • A delegation of U.S. representatives, including Lee Kadrich and Alan Reuther, will meet with Japanese automakers and government officials to press for fair trade access.

Statistics:

  • 25 years: The amount of time the U.S. has spent trying to negotiate the opening of Japan's auto and auto parts markets.
  • 71%: The percentage of Americans who support the Administration's plan to double tariffs on Japanese-made luxury autos.
  • $X: (No U.S. dollar amount specified in the source material).
  • Four Republican administrations and two Democratic administrations: The number of administrations that have attempted to negotiate Japan's market access.
  • (No specific numbers or data on deficits, trade imbalances, or exports mentioned).

Sources:

  • WJBK-TV in Detroit
  • American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
  • Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA)
  • United Auto Workers (UAW)
  • International Trade Commission building in Washington, D.C.

Read more