politics

Trump shifts focus to Japan after trade truce with China

28 Comments
By Ko Hirano

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push Japanese automakers to expand their manufacturing in the United States, a measure that would reduce exports into the country and create more jobs there.

apparently because automobiles and auto parts accounted for about 75 percent of the U.S. deficit with the country as of 2017.

Ok fair enough. That seems reasonable.

Given that Japan imposes no tariffs on foreign cars, analysts expect the administration to focus on nontariff barriers and demand that Tokyo ease safety and environmental requirements for American vehicles, for example.

That's not in the interests of the Japanese public so I hope Japan doesn't go offering that up. Its also not the right move globally. Car manufacturers need to be held to incremental improvements in safety and environmental standards, particularly the later, not a slow walk going backwards.

A focus on greater car manufacturing inside the U.S yes, certainly.

"Unfortunately, U.S. beef faces a massive 38.5 percent tariff in Japan -- a trade barrier that hurts America's beef producers,"

Yeah, that seems pretty unfair.

Japan's 38.5 percent tariff on beef imports will be lowered in stages to 9 percent over 16 years.

Too slow.

Japan could be a bit more generous on those tariffs. It needs to be quality beef. None of that Frankenstein meat lol.

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demand that Tokyo ease safety and environmental requirements for American vehicles, for example.

No please dont! However, maybe things have changed, but in the past it was harder to get a "made in Japan" automobile into the US because the cars here needed to have changes made to be able to drive on the streets in the US. The doors needed to have reinforced beams installed and other safety features as well.

Either way, neither of these requirements should be lowered just to appease Trump!

I also dont believe it's a big market anyway, dont see all that many US cars on the roads here, with the exception of a few Hummvees!

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We've gone from "Who knew health care was so complicated," to "Who knew trade was so complicated." He has many opinions, but very little knowledge.

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Abe said to Trump, Japan will buy thirty five F35 fighters from U.S. We want to develop our own fighters but they do not let us. We are sacrificing our defense industries at the request of U.S.

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Abe said to Trump, Japan will buy thirty five F35 fighters from U.S. We want to develop our own fighters but they do not let us. We are sacrificing our defense industries at the request of U.S.

They seem to have let South Korea develop their own fighters, so I don't think that is the case. More like the difficulty of developing your own fighter and the attraction of buying off the shelf when you perceive yourself to be under threat. Along with cutting the trade deficit.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The long con.

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American cars have such a great resale value in Japan. Do not take my word for it. Have a look for yourself.

you dont know what your talking about, I buy from car auctions have licences to buy from most car auctions in Japan and I can tell you American cars dont hold their value very well, also surprisingly European car dont hold their value very well, recently bought a BMW 6 series 11million new, and a Mecedes Eclass 8~9million new , both 10yrs old in good condition , paid less than 10% of their new car value and this is pretty normal from most used BMW Mercs, American cars, if you want to buy the lowest depreciating cars you need to buy Toyota, Landcruiser, Hiace, Prado the best perfroming models

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Just wait until the Orange Hairball rolls out of office. It's only about 24 months away.

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I wonder how foreign products will fare in Japan if all tarrifs are removed because I'm pretty convinced that Japanese products are not perfect substitutes to whatever crap foreigners try to export here.

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I do not know where you are selling or what your business is. Maybe you are a dealer. 

im a used car dealer and exporter both complete cars and autoparts, have online licences to Asnet i-AUC and USS and licences to many of the auction houses on those sites.

covering over 90% of all used cars sold in Japan everyweek. just bought 6 used cars this week both BMW Merc Nissan and Toyota , yes I know what Im talking about . Europenan American cars depreciate far quicker than most Japanese makers here in Japan

But the simple resale value of an American car is much higher than any (average) Japanese car.

because markups are artificially high comparing to what these same models are sold in the US, so the prices start high at auction becuase of the limited numbers imported and the limited numbers sold in Japan, American cars are just not popular in Japan period. Add to the the lack of servicing , new parts, dealerships its just not smart practice to buy an American car in Japan

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the best performing-says you. No thanks. Not my market.

maybe you should, I make far more from the used parts from these models that I do selling them complete either domestic or export.

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Trump shifts focus to Japan after trade truce with China - Headline

Slowly the job gets done. Let the big boys talk sensibly - and have Trump hand off his legacy of America First / Japan First, fair and square, to President Pence in 2024.

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@wtfjapan

American cars are just not popular in Japan period.

Add to the the lack of servicing, new parts, dealerships.

Then please do tell. If American cars are not popular in Japan.

Then explain to me these companies. (Fukuoka region only). Just imagine all of Japan.

Bubu.

http://www.bubu.co.jp/?utm_source=Yahoo!&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Brand

36 American car deliveries a month on average. new/used

Yanase GM.

https://www.yanase.co.jp/store/25791/

22 GM and Chevrolet deliveries a month on average. new/used

Looks Inc.

http://www.looks.co.jp/

29 used American car deliveries. Strictly used.

Fukuoka Jeep.

https://fukuoka.jeep-dealer.jp/jeep/

34 Jeep deliveries a month on average.

This is just a few dealerships I am pointing out to you and numbers are dead accurate.

Care to know what the largest Toyota dealership did last month?

17 deleiveries. How do I know? Becuase we own it. Once again. I go back to my original post.

AMERICAN CARS SELL IN JAPAN PERIOD! and service and parts are not an issue.

There are currently 7670 used vehicles that were manufactured in the USA for sale as of today on Goo Net. Not including Car sensor. Or at auction you want include or name in Japan.

https://www.goo-net.com/usedcar/brand-top.html#World

So, as I said. Japan is the most diverse car market on the planet next to Europe. Every manufacture is here selling their brand of vehicle. Most American vehicles are brought in from Long beach CA. There are so many American vehicles on the road here in Fukuoka. There is also the following.

Tesla, Volvo, Renault, Lotus, Morris, McLaren, Aston Martin, Fords, Caterham, Super 7's, Hennessey, Lamborghini, and a host of others I could name. I am sure you are very good at what you do. There is no doubt in my mind you do not know what you are talking about. And to be honest I am not sure the point you are trying to convey? Are there more Japanese cars on the road here in Fukuoka and Japan? Yes ofcourse. It's Japan. But the American car market is very much alive and well here in Fukuoka. So is every other non-Japanese vehicle maker. Now honestly how would it look if the number one Ferrari dealership in Asia was to start halving and chopping cars and selling and exporting used Japanese parts? Come on. I say this because of what you wrote. maybe you should,

I make far more from the used parts from these models that I do selling them complete either domestic or export.

I think you meant to say than I do selling.

Good for you and wish you much sucsess in doing so.

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trump fixed another problem that he created. how convenient.

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koizumi was dubya's sucker. abe is trump's.

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Dear Japan.

Ahem. Why is it that you restrict imports based upon various dubious criteria.

For men.. it's appears troublesome that "Asprin", is often likened to a Controlled drug. Yet within such a Conservative Society for Women, you should be happy, as you're allowed to bring in an "electronic massager" aka Vibrator. " e.g.) Electric massage"

The rather boring Misery of Health website (https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/index.html) doesn't really help that much either ... in clarifying do's and don'ts for when coming into this Country...

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/index.html

Japan has a lot of holes that need fixing. (Some of which may help buoy the population), but the ones I'm referring to are those that relate to the subject of this news item....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japan just like Canada, Mexico and even China is being screwed by the Trump all of nothing principle. He is smart and they are stupid not realizing that his demands and threats are totally empty. If they all said no to his advances he would pool back with his tail between his legs but they are scared idiots that know how to be dictators but not how to do business so they are throwing their countries interests under his feet. Sad Sad Sad!

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I can see the advertisements for US cars: "Buy a US car!! It is unsafe and polluting, but boy, is it cheap!" Now, how to spin that in Japanese.

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@wtfjapan

I most certainly do know what I am talking about. You are in auction car buying business correct? I am in the 14 car dealership G.M. level with the number 1 Ferrari dealership in Japan as well APAC built with my own two hands. Not to mention Rolls Royce, Maserati, and everything under the sun FCA offers. Fiat, Jeep, Alpha Romeo, Abarth. Nothing in my previous post mentioned anything about Japanese cars and values. We have the largest Toyota dealership in Kyushu. I love Japanese vehicles. Yes, Japanese cars hold value very well. But the simple resale value of an American car is much higher than any (average) Japanese car. Taking Mitsoaka and Lexus to account. This was the point I was trying to make. I always get a chuckle out folks saying there is no market for American cars in Japan. When Japan is the most diverse car market on the planet.

Case in example. Last night a 2005 Mustang Shelby came in with less than 24000 KM on the clock. The kaitori (buying price offered was 900.000. This car will go for sale in Japan for 2.200.000. On average you will make 180.000 to 220.000 more with a (used) American car in Japan. 2.5 to 4.0% more to be precise going off my rolling DRA in my company. Because it is an import. I buy a Land cruiser LX 70 for 800.000 man from USS Kyushu or any other auction in Japan. I can sell it for 1.500.000 man. Might be able to squeeze a bit more. Depending on auction grade and mileage. Wtfjapan, you are seeing things on one level. I am seeing things on another level. So, we agree to disagree.

I do not know where you are selling or what your business is. Maybe you are a dealer. Maybe you are an Exporter. I really do not need to know either. I am not hiding.

www.version-g.co.jp

I am a G.M with Version. Established 1964.

These are your words.

 If you want to buy the lowest depreciating cars you need to buy Toyota, Landcruiser, Hiace, Prado

the best performing-says you. No thanks. Not my market.

Have you seen the Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV? Exquisite.

http://www.version-g.co.jp/rollsroyce/index.html

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

"Buy a US car!! It is unsafe and polluting, but boy, is it cheap!"

Ford facts.-

November 25th 2018.

Another day, and another award for the Ford Focus. The model is the most popular of all Ford cars for sale currently and has in recent years been scooping awards and accolades daily. The Most recent being the ‘Best Car Award' at the Honest John award ceremony held yesterday.

The awards ceremony is carried out each year by the popular motoring website and this year Ford have picked up several awards in varying categories. Not only did the Ford Focus win the Car of the Year Award, it also picked up the Most Popular Car Award too. The Focus's larger counterpart the Mondeo saw itself picked for the Large Family Car Award. Last but certainly not least is Ford's exciting MPV the C-MAX, the vehicle was named as the Most Popular in its Category.

The awards are chosen through the amount of searches and visits carried out on the motoring website, making it an unbiased and reliable source. These are just a few of the awards that Ford cars receive throughout the year.

Beating Toyota Nissan and all the major Japanese brands in that class of car. Why is not in Japan?

Because it is a threat to Japan's pride. Imagine that. The Americans buit a car way better than the Camry. Who would have known.

Unsafe you say?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeLfHnQyOro

https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/ford/focus/33017

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Just wait until the Orange Hairball rolls out of office. It's only about 24 months away.

How do you calculate 2024 to 12 months? Boy liberals are really bad at math.

Because it is a threat to Japan's pride. Imagine that. The Americans buit a car way better than the Camry. Who would have known.

Bingo!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

"We want to develop our own fighters but they do not let us. We are sacrificing our defense industries at the request of U.S"

you mean copy/improve. it takes decades and billions of R&D to develop Ospreys, F35 etc. Its only after the US fields such innovations that the rest of the world (well mostly Asia) will copy it

Good on Trump again for looking out for US interest

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

There are 2 different issues here that naive, simplistic Trump fails to appreciate.

Japanese agriculture is excessively protected and subsidized. It is a big reason why Japanese pay so much for staples such as rice. Absolutely open the markets for meats, poultry, and sea food. Reduce the massive artificial subsidies to rice growers, who still have small farms located on terraced hillsides. Maybe some of the numerous nearly abandoned villages in Japan's countryside could be re-purposed for more efficient and competitive agriculture.

However, with respect to automobiles, American cars are not relevant to the Japanese market. They are generally too large and consume too much fuel, in a country where with gasoline taxes etc the price of fuel per $1.38 liter is or $5.36 per US Gallon (average price of gas in the US is around $3 per gallon), and they are built with the steering wheel on the left side for the US' right hand drive rules, while in Japan the steering wheel is on the right side of the car, as Japan's roads are like the UK, people drive on the left. Also, Japan's speed limits are much lower than those in the US, so even 6-cylinder engines favored by Americans are not practical.

So If Trump can provide some aid to American companies to invest in Left hand drive car assembly lines, and other Japanese conventions, then the US would sell a lot more cars in Japan.

Business, especially world trade, is as much about Competitiveness and leveraging what is called "Comparative Advantage", versus just arbitrary business volume quotas.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

@Yubaru.

I also don’t believe it's a big market anyway, don’t see all that many US cars on the roads here, with the exception of a few Humvees!

I am sorry. You would be wrong.

There are currently 7670 used vehicles that were manufactured for sale as of today on Goo Net. Not including Car sensor.

https://www.goo-net.com/usedcar/brand-top.html#World

Please also take into account new car sales from dealers like mine and companies like Yansae and Bubu that sell nothing but import or American cars. Please also take into account the Japanese USS auction system that is flooded with American vehicles ready to be auctioned off. H-1's, H-2's and H-3's make up for a very small percentage. So, you know the Chevy Camaro is the number one selling American car in Japan. The Ford Mustang Eco boost number two. So, safety and cross intrusion bars I think you were referring too? You were right about that. Most Japanese vehicles until the mid 90's did not have chassis reinforcement. However most

Japanese vehicles are made where in the USA? That’s right! In the USA or Mexico. American cars are a big market here in Japan. So are Italian, French, Swedish, English, German and as well Tesla. So why don’t we see Ford dealerships? GM dealerships? There is a simple answer for that. We want to keep the cost of American cars up and profitable. It's a luxury to have an American car in Japan. It's an import. We all make more money by bringing in them in from Long beach and buying them from American car dealers. And it will stay that way for now. Jeep is the only one left standing with roll in dealerships. Why? FCA. FCA Japan has such a strong presence in Japan.

Readers do not kid yourself for a moment. If you can afford an American car here in Japan. You are doing well for yourself. You would be surprised how many Japanese have an American car or a StarCraft van parked in warehouse or at home. American cars have such a great resale value in Japan. Do not take my word for it. Have a look for yourself.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

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