智通财经网·2025-08-08 10:57Core Viewpoint - The impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policy on automakers is currently difficult to quantify, with Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda expecting a combined hit of over $12.5 billion this year, but the uncertainty surrounding policy details makes these predictions subject to change [1][2] Group 1: Financial Impact - Honda has raised its operating profit forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026 to 700 billion yen (approximately $4.76 billion), which is still 40% lower than last year's profit level [1] - Toyota anticipates a one-third decline in annual operating profit for the current fiscal year [1] Group 2: Tariff and Trade Agreement Uncertainty - The U.S.-Japan trade agreement has reduced the threatened auto import tariff from 27.5% to 15%, but the agreement has not yet been formalized, leaving room for changes in details [1] - Both Honda and Toyota have set a 25% tariff on vehicles imported from Canada and Mexico, where they produce a significant number of cars for the U.S. market, while assuming exemptions for parts imported from these regions [2] Group 3: Strategic Responses and Risks - Honda is considering increasing production capacity in the U.S. by adding shifts and potentially outsourcing some production to Nissan's U.S. plants, which may lead to higher manufacturing costs [2] - Toyota has remained silent on price increases related to tariffs, and many industry peers have chosen not to raise prices, fearing loss of market share or backlash from Trump [2] - The assumptions behind the latest forecasts are not to be taken too seriously, creating a significant blind spot for automakers and shareholders [2]