Japan said on Friday that U.S. imports of its automobiles and auto parts are not an impediment to U.S. security and will not become one, and import restrictions would have "devastating effects" on the U.S. and global economies.
The Japanese warning, issued in a statement, echoed the warning of two major auto trade groups on Wednesday, which said imposing tariffs would cost hundreds of thousands of auto jobs and dramatically increase car prices.
The U.S. administration in May launched an investigation into whether imported vehicles pose a national security threat and President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to quickly impose tariffs.