In a surprising twist for American SUV lovers, Nissan has announced a major production cut of its best-selling model—the Rogue. A staggering 13,000 Japan-built Rogues, originally intended for the U.S. market, will no longer be manufactured this summer. Why? Blame the brutal impact of rising U.S. import tariffs.
Tariffs Bite Hard with Nissan’s Big Move
With President Trump’s 25% import tariff on foreign-made cars shaking up the auto industry, Nissan is under pressure. Despite the Rogue being a U.S. top-seller—245,724 units sold in 2024—it’s mostly made in Japan, making it highly vulnerable.
Now, Nissan is cutting production at its Kyushu plant from May to July. Some workdays will be halted completely, and factory hours are being reduced. According to insider sources, this isn’t a one-off—Nissan will continue adjusting production as tariff dynamics evolve.
“We’re adapting to market changes,” said a Nissan spokesperson, confirming that they’re reevaluating supply chains to navigate the shifting political landscape.
What's Happening at the Japan Plant?
Between May and July, Nissan's Kyushu plant will experience reduced hours and even complete production halts on some days. This is where the heat really hits—the Rogue's overseas production is directly in the tariff line of fire.
đ Meanwhile, Nissan is keeping U.S. production steady at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant, even reversing a previous decision to cut shifts. The company’s Canton plant plans to reduce Altima shifts later this year, but for now, the Rogue is holding strong on home turf.
Why It Matters
Nissan's exposure to the U.S. market is higher than most—over 25% of its global sales come from the States. Tariffs like these can have a serious impact on pricing, profit margins, and production strategy.
With rivals already bumping up prices, Nissan’s pivot may help it stay competitive—but the Rogue’s Japanese build numbers are undeniably in decline.
What This Means for American Buyers
Fewer Japan-built Rogues will be available, possibly driving up prices on existing inventory.
U.S.-built models will fill the gap, but supply chain pressures may lead to delays.
Buyers should act fast if considering a 2025 Rogue—limited stock could create a rush.