Japanese Automakers' Purchases of U.S.-Made Auto Parts Reach New High of $35.8 Billion

WASHINGTON, July 11 Japanese automakers purchased a record $35.8 billion of U.S.-made auto parts in fiscal year 2000 for use in Japan and the U.S. up 12 percent from the $31.9 billion purchased in fiscal year 1999. This was the 14th year of steady increases since the numbers were first reported in 1986, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). "The auto parts purchasing data released today are but another indication that cars built by Japanese companies are part of the fabric of America -- creating jobs and contributing to the U.S. economy," said William C. Duncan, General Director, JAMA USA. The parts are used for vehicle production in both the United States and Japan. "U.S. auto parts sales to Japan's companies reflect some 20 years of cooperation between Japanese vehicle manufacturers and U.S. parts manufacturers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean," Duncan added. Japanese automakers currently report purchases of $3.97 billion of parts and materials from the U.S. for use in Japan. "This makes Japan the largest purchaser of U.S. auto parts outside of Canada and Mexico and clearly shows that there are substantial opportunities for U.S. parts suppliers in Japan's market," he pointed out. The parts purchase statistics are from Japan's fiscal year, which runs from April 1, 2000 through March 31, 2001. Additional JAMA-member statistics are available online at http://www.jama.org .