Nissan shifts gears: U.S. production ramps up amid tariffs
The Japanese automotive giant Nissan is planning to reorganize its production in response to the tightened trade policies of the United States. According to reports from Nikkei, the company is considering relocating part of the vehicle production destined for the American market from factories in Japan to plants in the USA.
Information from the Japanese agency Nikkei indicates that Nissan may reduce production at its Fukuoka plant in western Japan as early as this summer. This primarily pertains to the Rogue SUV model, a key vehicle in the company's lineup for the American market. Currently, this car is manufactured in both Fukuoka and the United States, and the planned changes aim to increase American production.
Nissan's decision is part of a broader trend of international automotive companies adjusting their production strategies in response to U.S. trade policy. Last year, Nissan sold about 920,000 vehicles in the American market, with approximately 16 percent being cars exported from Japan. The planned production shift could significantly impact local suppliers' operations in Japan.
Strategic decisions by Nissan in the face of U.S. tariffs
Previous tariff announcements have already influenced Nissan's operations. On Thursday, the company announced it would not accept new orders from the USA for two Infiniti SUV models produced in Mexico. This decision indicates a significant reduction of operations at the joint venture plant, highlighting the seriousness of the situation caused by the U.S. administration's tariff policy.
Meanwhile, the Japanese manufacturer plans to maintain production of the Rogue model at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant at two shifts. This marks a change from January announcements when Nissan declared it would end one of two production shifts in April. The decision to maintain full production capacity at the American plant indicates a strategic adaptation of the company to new trade realities.
Some already suspend deliveries
The actions taken by Nissan reflect broader challenges faced by the global automotive industry due to changing trade policies. Other companies, such as the British Jaguar Land Rover, have also announced suspending deliveries to the USA due to new tariffs. Hyundai has announced it will maintain stable vehicle prices until June amid tariff-related uncertainties.
The European Union is also preparing a response to U.S. tariffs, aiming to develop a unified position regarding President Trump's trade policy. This situation shows how global supply chains in the automotive industry are sensitive to changes in trade policy of major world economies.
