Japan automakers on brink of extended slump as Trump tariffs loom

7 companies slammed by rising incentives in cutthroat U.S. market

Japan's seven major automakers have seen two consecutive quarters of profit decline, with the market forecasting two more to come. (Source photos by Nikkei)

KAZUHIRO NOGUCHI

March 20, 2025 01:12 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's seven major automakers look set to enter a prolonged phase of profit decline as intensifying U.S. competition and soaring expenses weigh on their earnings.