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Toyota fourth-quarter profit misses by wide margin as U.S. tariffs drive 49% slump
Toyota said tariffs and Middle East supply disruptions cut quarterly operating profit 49% and could leave 3 trillion yen in annual operating income.
On Friday, Toyota forecast a 20% profit decline for the current fiscal year, citing rising material costs and supply uncertainties. Operating profit for the three-month period ending in March fell 49% to 569.5 billion yen.
President Donald Trump's tariffs cut operating profit by 1.4 trillion yen in the year just ended, while Middle East conflict disruptions caused raw material shortages and increased shipping costs compounding challenges.
Japan's domestic carmakers import about 70% of their aluminum from the Middle East, exposing Toyota to regional turmoil that inflicted a negative 670 billion yen impact on its bottom line.
CEO Kenta Kon issued his first outlook since assuming the role last month, emphasizing limited short-term measures to offset the operating environment. The forecast falls below the 4.59 trillion yen median analyst expectation.
Robust demand for hybrid models continues to drive sales growth, positioning Toyota to forecast 51 trillion yen in net sales for the current fiscal year despite ongoing logistical challenges.