Nissan reshuffles production amid U.S. trade policy shifts
The Japanese automotive giant Nissan plans to reorganise its production in response to tightening trade policies of the United States. According to reports from Nikkei, the giant is considering relocating part of the production of vehicles intended for the American market from factories in Japan to plants in the USA.
According to information from the Japanese agency Nikkei, Nissan may reduce production at its Fukuoka plant in western Japan as soon as this summer. This primarily concerns the Rogue SUV model, which is a key vehicle for the company's offer in the American market. Currently, this car is manufactured both in Fukuoka and the United States, and the planned changes aim to increase the share of American production.
Nissan's decision is part of a broader trend of adjusting production strategies by international automotive companies in response to U.S. trade policy. Last year, Nissan sold approximately 920,000 vehicles in the American market, of which about 16 per cent were cars exported from Japan. The planned production shift could have a significant impact on local suppliers' operations in Japan.
Strategic decisions by Nissan in the face of U.S. tariffs
Previous tariff announcements have already impacted Nissan's operations. On Thursday, the company announced that it would not accept new orders from the USA for two Infiniti SUV models produced in Mexico. This decision means a drastic reduction of operations at the joint venture plant, highlighting the seriousness of the situation caused by the U.S. administration's tariff policy.
At the same time, the Japanese manufacturer plans to maintain production of the Rogue model at the plant in Smyrna, Tennessee at two shifts. This marks a change from the 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 the broader challenges faced by the global automotive industry in the face of changing trade policies. Other companies, such as the British Jaguar Land Rover, have also announced halting deliveries to the USA due to new tariffs. Hyundai has also announced maintaining 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.
