Honda staying in Canada despite Trump’s auto tariffs

Honda rejected speculation that it will move vehicle production to the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s automobile tariffs.

In a statement on Tuesday, Honda said it would continue running at “full capacity for the foreseeable future,” after a report in Japan’s Nikkei newspaper that Honda would be moving most of its operations to the US. 

Honda Canada could not comment on “the specifics of this morning’s headlines,” but said there are “no changes being considered at this time.”

Honda’s Alliston, ON, plant employs thousands of workers and manufactures popular models such as the Honda Civic. 

Honda emphasized that it has no current plans to relocate production to the US.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also weighed in, saying he contacted Honda Canada to clarify the newspaper’s report, which was carried by media outlets including the Western Standard. 

Ford said he had been told that the claims were “not accurate,” adding that he would do everything in his power to protect Ontario jobs.

Industry Minister Anita Anand, who is running for re-election in the Ontario riding of Oakville East, said she remains in “close contact” with Honda. 

According to Anand, the company confirmed that “no such production decisions affecting Canadian operations have been made” and is not considering any move at this time. 

Anand is scheduled to meet with Honda Canada’s CEO to further discuss the situation.

Speculation about Honda’s intentions came during ongoing Canada-US trade tensions.