Toyota Launches US-Made Cars in Japan | Nagoya News
- Began selling two U.S.-made models in Japan on Thursday, marking a shift in the automaker’s strategy and leveraging a recently implemented trade agreement.
- The move comes after a new system was introduced following negotiations between Japan and the United States.
- Tariff agreement played a crucial role in enabling these imports.
Nagoya, April 3 (Jiji Press)–Toyota Motor Corp. Began selling two U.S.-made models in Japan on Thursday, marking a shift in the automaker’s strategy and leveraging a recently implemented trade agreement. The Highlander SUV and the Tundra pickup truck were initially offered at a dealership in Tokyo, with nationwide sales slated to begin this summer.
The move comes after a new system was introduced following negotiations between Japan and the United States. This system allows vehicles manufactured and certified as safe in the U.S. To be sold in Japan without requiring additional safety testing, as reported by multiple sources including Jiji Press and Japan Today.
Tariff Agreement Facilitates U.S. Vehicle Imports
The Japan-U.S. Tariff agreement played a crucial role in enabling these imports. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed hefty tariffs on American trade partners, including Japan, with a rate of 27.5 percent on foreign-made cars. This rate was negotiated down to 15 percent for vehicles from Japan in July 2025 and formally implemented in September 2025, according to Japan Today.
The agreement aims to address chronic U.S. Trade deficits. In 2023, auto exports accounted for approximately 30 percent of Japan’s total exports to the United States, making it the largest sector in terms of trade volume.
Model Details and Sales Targets
The Highlander, produced at a Toyota factory in Indiana, is a seven-seater SUV priced at 8.6 million yen (approximately $54,000 USD based on current exchange rates). The Tundra, manufactured in Texas, is a larger pickup truck measuring about 6 meters in length and 2 meters in width and height, and is priced at 12 million yen (approximately $75,000 USD).
Toyota plans to sell 80 Tundra trucks and 40 Highlander SUVs per month initially. The automaker also intends to begin selling the U.S.-produced Camry sedan in Japan later this year, pending completion of necessary preparations.
First U.S.-Made Toyotas Sold in Japan in Decades
This marks a significant development as Toyota is now selling U.S.-made vehicles in Japan, a practice that has been largely absent for decades. According to a report from Autonews, the launch of the Tundra and Highlander represents a symbolic move, capitalizing on the loosened trade regulations.
The initial sales targets are modest, reflecting a cautious approach to gauging market demand for these U.S.-built models within Japan. However, the move signals Toyota’s willingness to adapt to changing trade dynamics and explore new market opportunities.
The Highlander SUV and the Tundra pickup truck were put on sale by a dealership in Tokyo on Thursday, with nationwide sales scheduled to begin as early as this summer, as reported by Nippon.com.