Suzuki halts production of Swift over China's rare earth export curbs
KYODO NEWS - 6 hours ago - 23:10 | Japan, All
Suzuki Motor Corp. has halted production of its flagship Swift compact hatchback due to China's export restrictions on rare-earth elements, sources close to the matter said Friday, marking the first suspension by a Japanese automaker tied to the curbs.
The restrictions have caused delays in procuring parts that use rare earths, the sources said.
The Chinese government in April imposed export controls on seven types of rare-earth minerals as part of its retaliation against U.S. tariffs. The move has already begun to disrupt production in the United States and Europe.
Suzuki suspended production of the Swift, excluding the Sport model, at its Sagara plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 26.
While it announced Thursday that it would partially resume production from June 13 and fully resume from June 16, it did not disclose the reason for the halt.
Related coverage:
Toyota to enter racing kart market to inspire future auto enthusiasts
Nissan to raise 1 tril. yen by issuing debt, selling assets: source
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kyodo News
3 hours ago
- Kyodo News
Japan, EU eye launch of "competitive alliance" scheme to boost trade
KYODO NEWS - 3 hours ago - 21:04 | Japan, All, World Japan and the European Union are preparing to launch an "alliance" framework to beef up their companies' competitiveness by promoting trade and economic security cooperation, diplomatic sources said Saturday, facing concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and Chinese trade practices. The creation of the "Japan-EU Competitiveness Alliance" is expected to be announced at a regular summit meeting being arranged for July, when Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is likely to host European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, they said. The move will further align both sides' efforts to uphold a rules-based economic order, building on cooperation through a free trade agreement that removes tariffs and other trade barriers between the two economies, which account for 20 percent of the world's gross domestic product. Under the framework, Japan and the EU will work together to diversify supply chains for rare earth minerals in the face of China's export restrictions on the elements crucial for the production of smartphones and other high-tech products, according to the sources. They will also align subsidy conditions for environmental technology such as electric vehicle and hydrogen production to promote fair competition for manufacturers and reduce development costs. On the trade front, the two sides will seek to promote reform of the World Trade Organization that is deemed dysfunctional, with the United States dissatisfied with the global body's response to addressing Chinese trade practices and other issues. They will also seek to collaborate with the "Global South" emerging and developing economies as partners sharing values of free and fair trade as well as the rule of law, the sources said. The EU is also eager to cooperate with a vast trans-Pacific free trade agreement involving Japan and 10 other nations, plus Britain that joined the accord in 2023. Some inside the bloc have called for joining efforts in rulemaking, as members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership weigh better business environment for digital trade and climate change countermeasures.
Nikkei Asia
4 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
Takeda CEO Christophe Weber faces opposition to board reelection
TOKYO -- U.S. proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) is recommending shareholders vote against the reelection of Takeda Pharmaceuticals CEO Christophe Weber to the Japanese drugmaker's board, according to Takeda. Takeda does not support the recommendation, and it is calling on shareholders to vote in favor of all proposals made by the company at the annual general meeting on June 25.
Kyodo News
4 hours ago
- Kyodo News
Japan showcases MSDF frigate in Australia amid bid to win contract
KYODO NEWS - Jun 6, 2025 - 22:42 | World, All Japan's latest Maritime Self-Defense Force frigate made a port call in Darwin, northern Australia, on Thursday for training, as Japan competes with Germany for a contract to build Australia's new-generation fleet. Showcasing the Mogami-class multi-mission frigate Yahagi to the media on Friday, MSDF officials highlighted its advanced stealth features and ability to operate with a smaller crew than the German vessels. The MSDF hosted an evening reception for Royal Australian Navy officials on board the ship the same day. In November last year, the Australian government shortlisted the Mogami-class frigate and Germany's MEKO A200 frigate as candidates to replace its navy's Anzac-class frigates in a program worth up to AU$10 billion ($6.5 billion) over the next decade. From an operational standpoint, there is a degree of support in Australia for Germany's proposed frigates, which offer compatibility with its current fleet. Meanwhile, Japan is aiming to ease concerns by allowing officials to experience the user-friendliness of its frigate. "With a smaller crew, it is easier to keep track of personnel. I believe this is the optimal size," Yahagi's captain, Masayoshi Tamura, said. Frigates produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. can be operated by a crew of around 90, half as many as similar vessels. The Australian government is planning the largest expansion of its navy's combatant fleet since World War II amid China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. It is expected to choose either Japan or Germany as its partner for the joint development of new frigates by the end of the year.
