Two of Japan’s biggest automakers are looking to reverse the usual trade flow by bringing American-made models back home.
Nissan Motor Co. is reportedly considering importing sport utility vehicles built in the United States for sale in Japan, according to a report by Nikkei on Friday.
The struggling automaker is said to be exploring the move as part of a broader effort to boost the utilization rate of its U.S. manufacturing plants.
Among the vehicles Nissan may bring to Japan are the Murano SUV—recently redesigned and reintroduced to the American market after nearly a decade—and the larger Pathfinder crossover.
Toyota Motor Corp. is also weighing a similar strategy, Kyodo News reported. The company is said to be studying plans to ship U.S.-assembled models back to Japan.
According to the report, those plans could be discussed with U.S. officials during President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to Japan from October 27 to 29. The idea is seen as part of Tokyo’s efforts to address Washington’s long-standing concerns over trade imbalances.
Japan exports roughly half a million vehicles to the U.S. each year, but Toyota’s American-built models have so far not been sold in its home market.