US President Donald Trump announced on February 14 that he is considering imposing tariffs on vehicles imported into the United States starting around April 2.

Details of which countries will be affected are still unknown, but if Japan is subjected to the tariffs, its economy would be hit hard.

According to the Ministry of Finance's trade statistics, in the last year, automobile exports from Japan to the US exceeded 6 trillion yen, making it the top export item.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa said of the proposed tariffs on February 17 that Japan will respond appropriately while fully scrutinizing the impact on the country.

Hayashi also said that the involved ministries have already been communicating with the US side on the matter.

The Japanese automotive industry has many companies involved, including component manufacturers, and the impact on the economy as a whole is alarming.