Japan Inc. more eager to expand in U.S. amid Trump tariff fears

Companies also looking to reduce reliance on China for supplies

A Toyota Motor auto plant in the U.S. state of Kentucky: A record share of Japanese companies in a JETRO survey said the planned to expand in the U.S. (Photo courtesy of Toyota)

MITSURU OBE

February 4, 2025 18:17 JST

TOKYO -- More Japanese companies than ever are considering expanding their operations in the U.S., amid concerns about U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump, a survey showed on Tuesday.

According to an annual survey by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) on companies' overseas expansion plans, 38.6% chose the U.S., up from 28.1% a year ago, and the highest ever share for the U.S.