America’s Most Popular Car Is Heading to Japan to Satisfy Trump | Carscoops

      Toyota has announced that it will start importing three models manufactured in the U.S. to Japan by 2026, aiming to test market interest and altering the typical trade dynamics.

      Several vehicles produced in the U.S. will soon be available in Japan.

      There’s a possibility that Japan may permit U.S.-certified vehicles to enter the market without the need for retesting.

      Reports suggest that political pressures are influencing this policy shift.

      Update: Toyota has officially revealed that it will import three American-made vehicles, including the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV, and Tundra pickup truck, into Japan beginning in 2026. This decision represents a significant departure from the norm in automotive exports and allows Toyota to explore a unique strategy within its home market.

      By offering these three well-liked American models in Japan, Toyota aims to cater to the varied preferences of a wide customer base while also contributing to the enhancement of Japan-U.S. trade relations, the company stated.

      In preparation for the introduction of these models in Japan, Toyota will leverage a new system currently under consideration by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism stemming from bilateral discussions.

      Original story continues below.

      Toyota is set to make an unconventional move as it plans to import vehicles from the United States into Japan starting next year. This decision seems to be partly a response to pressures from the Trump administration regarding the U.S. trade deficit with Japan. Officially, however, Toyota is presenting this initiative as a means to provide more options for Japanese consumers.

      It’s not just Toyota; other major Japanese automakers like Honda and Nissan are reportedly contemplating similar strategies.

      What Models Will Arrive in Japan?

      As reported by Nikkei Asia, the initial imports are expected to include the consistently best-selling Camry sedan, followed by other popular models such as the Highlander SUV and Tundra full-size pickup, none of which are currently sold in Japan.

      However, the financial viability of this plan remains uncertain due to higher production and shipping costs associated with North American labor.

      President Donald Trump has frequently criticized the trade imbalance with Japan, citing what he perceives as unfair trade barriers that hinder American-made vehicles abroad, while largely overlooking differences in consumer preferences. For instance, larger trucks and SUVs dominate the U.S. market, whereas Japan tends to prefer compact cars and kei vehicles.

      Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has expressed interest in investigating the potential for imports from the U.S. to Japan.

      Who Else Could Participate?

      Nikkei also indicates that Honda is considering a similar initiative, potentially importing U.S.-manufactured models like the Ridgeline pickup, Pilot SUV, and various Acura electric vehicles. Honda has previously explored this option on a limited basis with models like the hydrogen-powered FCX and FCX Clarity, which were sold in Japan in minimal quantities.

      Nissan may also join this trend with models such as the Murano and Pathfinder SUVs, neither of which is currently available domestically.

      Awaiting Approval

      A crucial aspect of this plan involves regulatory changes that are part of a recent trade agreement between Japan and the United States. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism is developing a new certification path that would enable U.S.-built vehicles to gain approval based solely on documentation review, eliminating the need for additional domestic testing.

      If this regulatory adjustment occurs, the new rules could be implemented as early as 2026, significantly easing the entry of American-made vehicles into the Japanese market.

      The Trump administration has also claimed that Toyota has agreed to allow American brands like Ford and General Motors access to its dealership network in Japan. The extent to which this leads to significant changes will depend on how these companies decide to capitalize on the opportunity.

      Source: Nikkei Asia