Honda to move part of production to US as Japan gears up for tariff talks

Honda Motor will move part of its domestic production to the US as Japan aims to fend off 24% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Kyodo News reported on Wednesday.

The automaker giant's decision comes as Japan dispatched its Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei to the US for talks on tariffs.

The minister said he was "prepared for talks to protect the national interest."

The Japanese minister will hold talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Akazawa on Tuesday said profits of Japanese companies are dropping every day and the government will work hard to achieve good results as soon as possible.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Tokyo “won't compromise” to rush through tariff talks with the US.

The Trump administration has imposed 24% tariffs on Japanese imports, particularly hitting sales of cars, steel and aluminum, but is currently attempting to negotiate with Washington as the US president granted a 90-day reprieve to all nations, except China, hit by his wide-ranging tariffs.

Trump has imposed a base 10% tariff on all nations. Imports from China now face tariffs of up to 245%, according to the White House.

Tokyo has repeatedly urged Washington to exempt Japan from the tariffs.

Separately, a high-ranking Indonesian delegation also departed for Washington on Wednesday to meet US officials as Trump administration imposed a 32% tariff on Jakarta goods.

South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is also expected to meet Bessent next week.