The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) has detailed trends in Japanese automotive investment in the United States over the past four decades.

JAMA is a nonprofit industry association representing the 14 Japanese manufacturers of cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. 

Japanese Automotive Investment in the United States

JAMA members are among the largest and longest-standing foreign direct investors in the United States. According to the organization, since Japanese automakers established their first vehicle manufacturing operations in the United States more than 40 years ago, their commitment to U.S. manufacturing has only grown stronger. 

Currently, JAMA members operate 26 manufacturing plants in the United States. This includes facilities for the production of vehicles, engines, transmissions, parts, and batteries. 

By the end of 2025, cumulative manufacturing investment by Japanese automakers in the United States reached a record $70.1 billion. In addition, there are direct manufacturing jobs for more than 113,000 Americans and an estimated 2.2 million jobs in the United States overall.

These figures tell a clear story: Japanese automakers have been, and continue to be, deeply integrated into the U.S. economy. They are also major contributors to the domestic automotive manufacturing sector and to the development of a strong workforce.

Section 301

After highlighting these figures, JAMA urged the United States Trade Representative (USTR) not to impose tariffs on U.S. automotive imports originating in Japan. This is due to the new investigations under Section 301.

JAMA called on the USTR to respect and uphold the commitments of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement. Furthermore, it must ensure that the substantial and growing domestic manufacturing presence of Japanese-brand automakers is fully reflected in any future trade policy affecting the automotive sector.

Investment and Trade

Currently, approximately 75% of the vehicles sold by JAMA members in the United States are manufactured in North America. Of these, nearly 50% are produced domestically. 

Imports from Japan, while continuing to offer U.S. consumers more choices, have declined significantly, falling from a peak of 3.4 million units in 1986 to 1.3 million in 2025—a reduction of more than 60 percent. 

JAMA members include Daihatsu, Hino, Honda, Isuzu, Kawasaki, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, UD Trucks Corporation, and Yamaha.