Detroit automakers balk at US-Japan trade deal

New York: Large US automakers criticized the US Japan trade deal on Wednesday for setting a lower tariff for Japanese auto exports compared with those...

New York: Large US automakers criticized the US-Japan trade deal on Wednesday for setting a lower tariff for Japanese auto exports compared with those from Mexico and Canada, where Detroit automakers operate.

President Donald Trump's accord with Japan appeared to be a "bad deal" for the US industry, said Matt Blunt, head of the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents General Motors, Ford and Stellantis.

The accord between Washington and Tokyo sets a 15 percent tariff for Japanese goods, including autos.

Vehicles manufactured overseas currently face a 25 percent levy under a Trump-imposed tariff that took effect in early April.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba highlighted the relief for Japanese automakers, a sector that accounts for eight percent of Japanese jobs, saying, "we are the first (country) in the world to reduce tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, with no limits on volume."