According to media reports, a senior European executive at Toyota recently stated that in response to the challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies on supply chains, the company does not rule out utilizing the "export potential" of its UK plant to ship a small number of vehicles to the U.S.
Matt Harrison, Toyota's head of European operations, told the Financial Times, "If it makes commercial sense and there is demand for the products we manufacture in the UK in another region, we will certainly consider (exporting UK-made vehicles to other markets)."
Harrison noted that if the UK can avoid U.S. tariffs while Trump follows through on his threats to impose tariffs on other trade partners, Toyota's Burnaston plant in the UK could have greater "export potential."
However, he also mentioned that since the UK plant primarily produces small cars, which do not align with American consumers' preference for larger vehicles, the potential export volume would be limited.
He added, "That doesn't mean there isn't an opportunity, but it would likely be a small-scale export, not a significant one."
Regarding the impact of U.S. tariff policies, Harrison warned that as the automotive industry braces for a series of tariffs imposed by President Trump on its key trade partners, more "political turbulence" is expected in the future.
Currently, Trump has granted automakers a one-month grace period, temporarily delaying tariffs on vehicles imported from Mexico and Canada into the U.S. However, if he proceeds with his tariff plans after 30 days, Toyota will be affected.
U.S. officials have also stated that "reciprocal" tariffs will take effect as scheduled on April 2. At that time, if other countries impose import tariffs on U.S. goods, the Trump administration will levy tariffs at the same rate on products from those countries.
Compared to the current 2.5% tariff the U.S. imposes on imported vehicles, the EU applies a 10% tariff on car imports. As a result, the EU is likely to be one of Trump's primary targets for "reciprocal" tariffs.
