TOYODA Akio, Chairman Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

Upon the final agreement on the Japan-U.S. Agreement on Strengthening Critical Minerals Supply Chains, we would like to express our appreciation to all government representatives from Japan and the United States for their considerable efforts throughout this process.

As the global automotive industry undergoes a period of major transformation towards the realization of next-generation mobility, we welcome the fact that this agreement will maintain and enhance the cooperative relationship between Japan and the United States as allies towards ensuring sustainable and equitable supply chains for critical minerals necessary for electric vehicle battery.

We look forward to the continued efforts of both governments to achieve outcomes that will further support the sustainable development and enhanced global competitiveness of the Japanese and U.S. automotive industries.

With our customers always being our top priority, and with the support of local communities, we will continue our efforts to strengthen the Japanese and U.S. automotive industries and economies through business activities rooted in both countries.

*****