Toyota Motor is preparing to notify the United States of its plan to “re-import” vehicles manufactured at its U.S. facilities back to Japan, according to a report by Nikkei.
U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Japan from October 27 to 29 and is expected to meet with business leaders, including Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda. This initiative, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit with Japan, may be presented during that meeting.
In the U.S., Toyota sells several models not available in Japan, such as the Camry sedan and Tundra pickup truck, which could be re-imported. The automaker is considering selling these models through its domestic dealership network.
Following bilateral tariff negotiations, the Japanese government plans to relax import regulations for U.S.-made vehicles. Once this process is complete, Toyota will further evaluate which models to re-import and develop a sales strategy for these vehicles.
This move will offer Japanese consumers more vehicle options, but it remains uncertain whether popular U.S. models will gain strong traction in Japan. Larger vehicles favored by American consumers may be less practical on Japan’s narrower roads.
While this initiative may not significantly boost Toyota’s profits, it provides the company with greater flexibility in its global production and export operations. Selling the same models in both markets allows Toyota to adjust local production based on demand. It could also encourage U.S. automakers to design vehicles better suited for the Japanese market.
After the U.S. and Japan reached an agreement in tariff negotiations, Trump stated on social media that Japan would open its market to American cars and trucks. He has long expressed frustration over the limited sales of U.S.-made vehicles in Japan, citing differences in safety standards and other regulations as non-tariff barriers.
In July, Toyota Chairman Toyoda announced the company’s efforts to import U.S.-made vehicles. Later, he stated that the automaker is working with the Japanese government to “create an environment conducive to importing American cars.”
Toyota CEO Koji Sato also mentioned earlier this month that the possibility of reverse imports “remains under consideration.”
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