Japan shipbuilders balk at US investment despite government push

Transportation

South Korean industry better positioned for Seoul’s $150bn pledge

Imabari Shipbuilding has said it is not currently considering investing in the U.S. (Imabari Shipbuilding)

MASASHI ISAWA and SHOKO KUGAI

August 20, 2025 02:41 JST

TOKYO — As Japan looks to push shipbuilding investment in the U.S. under the countries’ tariff agreement, shipbuilders here are not keen on pouring money into a market with high labor costs and a weak supply network, unlike their South Korean counterparts.