Click for more.
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T)* said today that it intends to begin introducing three models produced in the United States to the Japanese market starting in 2026. Targeted the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV and Tundra pickup truck.** As part of planning, Toyota will also make use of a new system being considered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism following bilateral negotiations.***
“The Camry sedan combines sophisticated design with comfort, while boasting outstanding fuel efficiency. This global Toyota model has remained a top seller in the United States for many years. The Highlander is a three-row SUV popular with families, featuring a spacious interior and excellent off-road ability that can handle anything from city driving to the great outdoors. Toyota has decided to reintroduce these two models, which were previously sold in the Japanese market until 2023 and 2007, respectively.” Toyota said. [It’s not clear if any significant volume will result. In fact, it’s unlikely for the large SUV and pickup – AutoCrat.]
“Meanwhile, the Tundra pickup truck―with its tremendous power and towing capacity, alongside exceptional quality, durability, and reliability―is the very embodiment of American culture. As lifestyles diversify and people increasingly seek adventures in nature, Toyota believes that Japanese customers will also embrace the unique appeal of the Tundra that sets it apart from other models,” Toyota claimed.
*AutoInformed on
**Current Production Facilities in the United States
- Camry – Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK)
- Highlander – Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI). The Highlander was sold in Japan as the Kluger
- Tundra – Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX)
***Congressional Research Service Report 15 July 2025
The United States and Japan are among the world’s largest economies and have been close economic partners, though they do not have a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
The partners have two limited trade deals, which took effect in 2020 during the first Trump Administration. The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA) involves tariff reductions and quota expansions to improve market access. The U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement covers rules on the digital aspects of global commerce.
In 2023, during the Biden Administration, the United States and Japan also signed a critical minerals agreement (CMA) to support the diversification of key U.S. supply chains.
In April 2025, following the imposition of U.S. tariffs and outreach by the Japanese government, the Trump Administration announced new negotiations with Japan “regarding tariffs, non-tariff barriers, currency issues, and government subsidies.”
The White House has indicated it is using tariffs to eliminate U.S. goods trade deficits, encourage U.S. trading partners to negotiate, and remedy “unfair trade practices,” among other objectives.
It is unclear whether the ongoing bilateral talks might build on the trade deals reached in 2020 or the CMA.
The 119th Congress may consider whether to exercise oversight over implementation of U.S.-Japan trade deals, and how to define its role in authorizing trade agreements and in U.S. tariff policy. It also may monitor U.S.-Japan economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Toyota to Export U.S. Made Vehicles to Japan
Click for more.
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM, 7203T)* said today that it intends to begin introducing three models produced in the United States to the Japanese market starting in 2026. Targeted the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV and Tundra pickup truck.** As part of planning, Toyota will also make use of a new system being considered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism following bilateral negotiations.***
“The Camry sedan combines sophisticated design with comfort, while boasting outstanding fuel efficiency. This global Toyota model has remained a top seller in the United States for many years. The Highlander is a three-row SUV popular with families, featuring a spacious interior and excellent off-road ability that can handle anything from city driving to the great outdoors. Toyota has decided to reintroduce these two models, which were previously sold in the Japanese market until 2023 and 2007, respectively.” Toyota said. [It’s not clear if any significant volume will result. In fact, it’s unlikely for the large SUV and pickup – AutoCrat.]
“Meanwhile, the Tundra pickup truck―with its tremendous power and towing capacity, alongside exceptional quality, durability, and reliability―is the very embodiment of American culture. As lifestyles diversify and people increasingly seek adventures in nature, Toyota believes that Japanese customers will also embrace the unique appeal of the Tundra that sets it apart from other models,” Toyota claimed.
*AutoInformed on
**Current Production Facilities in the United States
***Congressional Research Service Report 15 July 2025
The United States and Japan are among the world’s largest economies and have been close economic partners, though they do not have a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
The partners have two limited trade deals, which took effect in 2020 during the first Trump Administration. The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA) involves tariff reductions and quota expansions to improve market access. The U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement covers rules on the digital aspects of global commerce.
In 2023, during the Biden Administration, the United States and Japan also signed a critical minerals agreement (CMA) to support the diversification of key U.S. supply chains.
In April 2025, following the imposition of U.S. tariffs and outreach by the Japanese government, the Trump Administration announced new negotiations with Japan “regarding tariffs, non-tariff barriers, currency issues, and government subsidies.”
The White House has indicated it is using tariffs to eliminate U.S. goods trade deficits, encourage U.S. trading partners to negotiate, and remedy “unfair trade practices,” among other objectives.
It is unclear whether the ongoing bilateral talks might build on the trade deals reached in 2020 or the CMA.
The 119th Congress may consider whether to exercise oversight over implementation of U.S.-Japan trade deals, and how to define its role in authorizing trade agreements and in U.S. tariff policy. It also may monitor U.S.-Japan economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.