Mazda Motor faces a severe financial blow as the Japanese automaker anticipates a profit decline of 145.2 billion yen (nearly $1 billion) due to U.S. import tariffs. The company’s operating results for the current fiscal year will be significantly impacted, with projected tariffs of 15% on Japanese exports and 25% on Mexican imports. To mitigate losses, Mazda has adjusted transport routes, ramped up production at its Alabama plant, and optimized manufacturing volumes. Without these measures, the profit drop could have reached 233.5 billion yen. The Mexican plant in Guanajuato, a key export hub, is particularly vulnerable. Despite a 4% U.S. sales increase (210,000 vehicles sold in H1), Mazda forecasts a grim full-year operating profit of just 50 billion yen, far below previous levels.
Quarterly Losses Deepen Concerns
The first quarter of the year delivered another setback, with Mazda reporting a net loss of 42.1 billion yen—a stark contrast to last year’s 50 billion yen profit. Operating losses hit 46.1 billion yen, while revenue fell 8.8% to 1.1 trillion yen. Analysts worry weakening demand and rising costs could worsen, with full-year revenue expected to drop 2.4% and net profit plummeting 82.5%. Surprisingly, Mazda’s stock rose 2.6% in Tokyo, suggesting investors may see the downturn as priced in or anticipate a rebound. The coming months will test Mazda’s ability to stabilize its financial trajectory.
