Trump Calls Japan Auto Trade ‘Unfair’, Suggests Buying More U.S. Oil in Fox News Interview

WASHINGTON:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed criticism of Japan’s automotive trade practices, calling them “unfair” in a recent interview with Fox News. Trump claimed Japan continues to export millions of cars to the United States while placing barriers on American-made vehicles, and suggested Japan could help balance the trade relationship by purchasing more U.S. oil.

“They won’t take our cars, and yet we take millions and millions of their cars into the United States. It’s not fair, and I explained that to Japan, and they understand it,” Trump told Fox News.

Renewed Focus on Long-Standing Trade Friction

Trump’s remarks revive a decades-old source of trade tension between the United States and Japan. The U.S. has long complained of limited market access for American carmakers in Japan, citing regulatory barriers, dealership networks, and consumer preferences favoring domestic brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

Meanwhile, Japanese automakers maintain significant production capacity within the U.S. itself, with factories employing tens of thousands of American workers. Yet overall, the U.S. remains a major importer of Japan-built vehicles, contributing to a persistent bilateral trade imbalance.

Calls for Energy Trade to Offset Imbalance

In his Fox News comments, Trump suggested Japan could increase its purchases of U.S. oil as a way to reduce trade deficits.

“They understand it. They’re going to be buying our oil,” Trump said, framing energy sales as part of broader trade negotiations.

The United States has become a significant exporter of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in recent years, and Japan is among the world's largest energy importers.

Such proposals align with Trump’s “America First” trade agenda, which repeatedly sought to secure greater foreign purchases of U.S. energy, agricultural, and manufactured goods during his presidency.

Trade Policies Under Trump

During his tenure (2017–2021), Trump frequently targeted what he considered unbalanced trade relationships, most notably with China but also with close allies like Japan, Germany, and South Korea.

He pushed Japan to reduce its trade surplus with the U.S. and to import more American agricultural products, energy, and vehicles. The two countries signed a limited trade agreement in 2019 that lowered tariffs on some goods but did not comprehensively address automotive market access.

Japan’s Automotive Market: Barriers or Preferences?

Japanese officials and industry experts have long countered U.S. complaints by arguing that non-tariff barriers are minimal and that the real challenge is American consumer demand.

Japan does not impose tariffs on imported cars, unlike the 2.5% U.S. tariff on cars and 25% on trucks. Critics argue U.S. automakers have struggled to adapt to Japan’s consumer tastes, urban infrastructure, and stringent emissions standards.

Japanese automakers, meanwhile, have invested heavily in U.S. production, building millions of vehicles domestically each year for the American market.

Implications for U.S.-Japan Relations

Trump’s comments come as he remains a dominant figure in Republican politics, with a possible 2024 presidential run behind him and speculation about how he might shape U.S. foreign and trade policy if he returns to office.

Analysts note that revisiting trade imbalances with allies like Japan could renew friction even as both countries emphasize security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including shared concerns about China.

Japan’s Energy Imports

Japan is heavily reliant on energy imports and has previously increased purchases of U.S. LNG and crude oil as part of efforts to diversify suppliers. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Japan has sought greater energy security, making U.S. energy even more strategically important.

Trump’s suggestion that Japan buy more U.S. oil echoes past American efforts to expand energy trade as part of broader trade negotiations.

Conclusion

Trump’s Fox News interview underscores his continued focus on trade balances and reciprocal deals, even with close allies like Japan.

His criticism of Japan’s auto trade practices and push for more U.S. oil exports highlight enduring friction points in one of the world’s most important bilateral trade relationships.

As U.S.-Japan ties remain critical for both economies and regional security, how future administrations navigate these trade tensions will shape the trajectory of economic cooperation between the two allies.

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