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Japan Vows to Respond to US Auto Tariffs, Citing "All Possible Options"

March 27, 2025

By The South Asia Times

TOKYO - Japan has pledged to take action in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on foreign-made automobiles, emphasizing that all options remain open.

"We must consider appropriate countermeasures, and all possible options are on the table," Kyodo News quoted Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as saying.

Echoing this stance, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi strongly criticized the US move, asserting that Tokyo would take necessary steps in response.

On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order enforcing a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks, set to take effect on April 2.

Hayashi condemned the decision as "extremely regrettable," highlighting that Japanese automakers have invested approximately $61.6 billion in the US and generated around 2.3 million jobs.

"It is deeply unfortunate that the United States has chosen to raise auto tariffs without exemptions. We will thoroughly assess the impact on Japan and continue pressing for an exemption," he added.