Toyota Breaks April Sales Record as Tariffs Spur US Demand
Toyota Motor Corporation achieved a record for the second consecutive month in April, with global sales reaching 936,718 units—a 12% increase compared to the same month last year. The total includes figures from its subsidiaries, Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd. Global production reached 902,425 units.
This surge was driven by strong demand in the United States and Japan, as well as customers rushing to purchase vehicles ahead of new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
In the US, Toyota and Lexus sales rose by 10% compared to the previous year. This surge was fuelled by steady consumer demand and a spike in orders as a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts will take effect. The looming tariffs prompted many buyers to act quickly, contributing to the April sales increase.
The tariff measure, introduced by President Donald Trump as part of his broader trade policy, has disrupted global carmakers, pushing them to consider longer-term strategies to mitigate uncertainty. Although the tariffs ended up blocked by the US trade court (a ruling the Trump administration has vowed to appeal), the immediate impact has been significant.
Toyota has forecast a financial impact of approximately JPY 180 billion (USD 1.2 billion) for April and May alone from tariffs. Despite this, the company is maintaining a cautious approach, opting to respond flexibly without making operational changes until trade conditions become more transparent.
CEO Koji Sato has indicated that Toyota is considering expanding local product development and manufacturing capacity in the US over the medium to long term to mitigate future risks.
Toyota's strong April followed an 8% rise in US sales in March. Other Japanese carmakers also saw gains that month, with Honda Motor Co. reporting a 13% increase and Nissan Motor Co. a 10% rise.
Meanwhile, Mazda Motor Corp. announced it will pause US production of a model variant exported to Canada, Honda will shift production of its hybrid Civic from Japan to the US, and Nissan is suspending US orders for SUVs manufactured in Mexico.
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