Japanese automakers breathed a sigh of relief after U.S. President Donald Trump finalized a trade agreement last week. However, the relief is tempered by intensifying competition, especially from China,

Japanese automakers received a temporary reprieve this week when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a cut to import tariffs on Japan-made vehicles, reducing the rate from 25% to 15%. But industry experts warn the move offers little comfort as Japanese brands face intensifying competition from China and structural economic hurdles at home.