Nissan Motor is reportedly considering a significant shift in its production strategy, aiming to move some manufacturing of its Rogue SUV from Japan to the United States. This potential change comes in light of increasing trade tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on various nations worldwide, as highlighted by the Jakarta Post, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.

The move could see production at Nissan's Fukuoka factory in western Japan reduced as early as this summer. The Rogue SUV, which plays a crucial role in Nissan's sales in the U.S. market, is currently manufactured in both Japan and the U.S. This strategy aims to alleviate the financial burden caused by Trump's tariff policies, which have led to increased operational costs.

In a recent announcement, Nissan revealed that it would stop accepting new orders for two models of its Infiniti SUVs manufactured in Mexico, responding decisively to the implications of the tariffs. The automaker will maintain two shifts of production for the Rogue at its Smyrna, Tennessee facility even after previously announcing a reduction in shifts.

In 2022, Nissan sold approximately 920,000 vehicles in the United States, with around 16% of these exports coming from Japan. The anticipated shift of some production to the U.S. is not only intended to streamline operations but may also have adverse effects on local suppliers in Japan.

As Nissan navigates these changes, the broader impact on the automotive industry and local economies will be an important area to monitor in the upcoming months.