Japan's exports rose for a fourth consecutive month in January led by auto shipments to the United States, but if U.S. President Donald Trump goes through with a plan to impose hefty car tariffs, a sharp drop-off is likely.

Japan has raised the issue of auto tariffs with the US after President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25% levy on car imports, a move that would likely deliver a big blow to Japan’s economy.

The United States government has announced its plan to impose significant tariffs on imported automobiles and semiconductors, affecting major South Korean companies like Hyundai and Samsung. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a 25% tariff on imported vehicles will take effect as early as April 2,