Toyota (TM.US) announced on Friday its plan to sell U.S.-manufactured Camry sedans, Highlander SUVs, and Tundra pickups in Japan starting next year, aiming to improve trade relations between Japan and the U.S. The world's largest automaker had previously indicated in October that it was exploring the possibility of "reverse imports."
Japan is currently seeking to address concerns over its substantial trade surplus with the U.S., particularly under pressure from President Donald Trump. As Japan's top automaker, Toyota is actively working to persuade the Trump administration to reduce tariffs on Japanese vehicles and auto parts exported to the U.S.
Last November, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda made headlines when he wore a red "MAGA" hat and a T-shirt featuring images of Trump and Vice President Vance during a NASCAR promotional event in Japan. Earlier, in May, Toyoda had proposed to then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba that U.S. automakers could utilize Toyota's Japanese sales network to distribute vehicles in Japan.
This initiative ultimately led to a clause in the U.S.-Japan trade agreement requiring Japan to "open its market" to U.S. auto imports. Additionally, Toyota recently commenced production at its $13.9 billion battery plant in North Carolina to boost hybrid vehicle output and reaffirmed its commitment to invest $10 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next five years.
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