Nissan Slashes Rogue Production in Japan Amid U.S. Tariff Pressures

Nissan (OTC:NSANY) will reduce production of its top-selling U.S. model, the Rogue SUV, at its Kyushu plant in Japan by 13,000 units from May through July due to rising U.S. import tariffs. The cut, over 20% of Q1 U.S. Rogue sales, comes in response to the 25% tariff imposed by President Donald Trump on foreign-built vehicles, disrupting global automotive supply chains.

The United States, Nissan’s largest market, accounted for over a quarter of its global sales last year, many of which were produced in Japan and Mexico. The production slowdown at Kyushu, Nissan’s largest domestic facility, will include fewer work hours and halted operations on select days, although the plant will maintain two shifts daily. Nissan will reassess production plans based on future tariff developments.

In a statement, the automaker said it is reviewing supply chain operations to enhance efficiency and sustainability, emphasizing a deliberate approach to manage short- and long-term impacts while prioritizing workforce stability.

The Rogue, with nearly 246,000 units sold in the U.S. last year, remains a critical model. Nissan reversed an earlier decision to cut one shift at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant, choosing instead to continue full production.

Other automakers are also adjusting. Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) paused operations at plants in Mexico and Canada, affecting five U.S. facilities and 900 jobs. Honda (NYSE:HMC) plans to shift Civic hybrid production from Mexico to Indiana to sidestep tariffs.

Nissan, already undergoing a global restructuring to cut capacity by 20%, is under pressure to revive U.S. performance amid an ageing model lineup and limited hybrid offerings. New CEO Ivan Espinosa faces the challenge of steering the company toward recovery while adapting to the shifting trade landscape.