The American Automotive Policy Council, which represents the Detroit 3, criticized a deal giving Japan lower import tariffs than the U.S. automakers.

Under the US-Japan deal, which US President Donald Trump referred to as “the biggest deal ever made”, the Americans have agreed to impose 15 per cent reciprocal tariffs, compared to the 25 per cent the US had threatened earlier last week.

The Big 3 American automakers, General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, say they will face steeper import taxes on steel, aluminum and parts than their competitors.