Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-07-24 15:34Core Points - The U.S. and Japan have reached a trade agreement where the U.S. will reduce tariffs on Japanese cars and parts to 15%, while Japan will invest $550 billion in the U.S. and open its markets for cars and rice [1][2] - U.S. automakers express concerns that the reduced tariffs will disadvantage American companies, as they will face higher tariffs on vehicles produced with a significant amount of U.S. parts compared to Japanese imports [2][6] - The agreement may set a precedent for other countries, raising fears among U.S. automakers about potential similar negotiations with the EU and South Korea [6][8] U.S. Automakers' Concerns - U.S. automakers, represented by the American Automotive Policy Council, argue that the deal is detrimental to American industry and workers, as it imposes higher tariffs on domestically produced vehicles with U.S. parts [2][6] - General Motors reported a $1 billion profit drop in Q2 due to tariffs and warned of further losses in the next quarter, while Stellantis expects a $2.7 billion loss in the first half of 2025 [6] - The complexity of the North American automotive supply chain means that U.S. manufacturers are heavily reliant on parts from Mexico and Canada, making them vulnerable to tariff impacts [6] Market Reactions - Following the announcement of the U.S.-Japan trade agreement, stock prices for Toyota and Honda surged, along with shares of Korean and European automakers [7] - The German automotive industry is particularly concerned, as they have seen a significant drop in exports to the U.S. and are advocating for concessions in trade negotiations [7] - South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia are expected to report significant losses due to tariffs in their upcoming financial results [7][8] Future Trade Negotiations - The U.S. government is reportedly exploring similar agreements with the EU and South Korea, but there are concerns about the implications for U.S. automakers if these countries secure lower tariffs [6][8] - A White House official downplayed the likelihood of similar tariff reductions for other countries, emphasizing that Japan's investment proposal was unique [8]