Middle East Shipping Disruption Forces Japanese Automakers to Cut Production

[Supply Chain Shock] Toyota and Nissan have collectively reduced production by nearly 40,000 vehicles due to shipping disruptions in the Middle East.

Core Development: Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz Directly Triggers Defensive Production Cuts by Japanese Automakers

Amid escalating tensions involving Iran, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has nearly halted. Toyota announced it would cut approximately 38,000 units of vehicle exports to the Middle East by the end of April, while Nissan reduced production by 1,200 units of the Serena and X-Trail models at its Kyushu plant in March.

Key Data: Middle East Is One of Only Two Growth Markets Globally for Nissan

In 2025, Nissan’s vehicle exports to the Middle East reached 77,784 units, surging 24.4% year-over-year, making it the only region globally with positive export growth—second in strategic importance only to North America.

Strategic Underpinning: Logistics Strangulation Forces Production Line Contraction

With finished vehicles unable to be delivered, inventory has piled up, forcing Nissan to suspend production of non-Middle East models to free up warehouse space—highlighting the extreme vulnerability of its global supply chain to geopolitical risks.