What is the reason that Suzuki Swift temporarily stops production in Japan?

Video : See details of the new 2025 Suzuki Swift model.

According to Nikkei Asia and Reuters, Suzuki has suspended production of the Swift model (except for the Sport version) at its Sagara plant (Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan) since May 26. Although the Japanese automaker later announced that it would resume operations from June 13 and fully restore the production line on June 16, the specific reason was not announced, other than the reason of "lack of components".

However, international sources said that the root cause originated from the Chinese government 's move to impose export restrictions on seven rare earth minerals from April 2025. This was a response to the US's tariff hike policy and has begun to affect the global supply chain, especially in the automotive and electronics manufacturing sectors. Suzuki is the first Japanese carmaker to be directly affected by this control order.

Suzuki recently announced a temporary halt to production of the Swift model in Japan, amid disruptions in rare earth supplies from China.

In Vietnam, Suzuki Swift used to be one of the most popular B-class hatchbacks thanks to its compact design and fuel economy. However, this model has been absent from the market for many months, amid speculation that the company will stop producing the current version to prepare for the new generation.

In June 2025, some official Suzuki Vietnam dealers suddenly "hinted" about the return of Swift with a teaser image on the official fanpage, along with the status line: "The next generation of Suzuki icons is gradually emerging." The image of the car was submerged in darkness, revealing only the LED headlights and the signature logo, making many fans believe that this was the new generation Swift.

Information from some dealers in Hanoi confirmed that Swift 2025 will be launched in mid-June and will begin delivering cars in Vietnam from July.

Information from some dealers in Hanoi confirmed that Swift 2025 will be launched in mid-June and will start delivering cars from July. Notably, the new version will have only one configuration, using a hybrid transmission system and imported directly from Japan.

However, with production in Japan being disrupted, the possibility of supply being affected for the Vietnamese market is inevitable. If the production recovery takes longer than planned, consumers may have to wait longer, especially in the initial sales phase.

The story of the Suzuki Swift illustrates the challenges facing automakers in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. With China controlling more than 80% of the global supply chain of rare earths – essential materials for electric motors, permanent magnets and hybrid batteries – the auto industry is increasingly vulnerable to policy changes.

With production in Japan being disrupted, the possibility of Swift supply to the Vietnamese market being affected is inevitable.

The disruption to the supply of components from China is putting not only the US and Europe, but also manufacturers in Asia in a passive position. Even for a popular car like the Swift, a shortage of rare earths can still stall the entire production line.

In addition, this event also raises big questions about the stability of the global supply chain, especially for car manufacturers that rely heavily on imported components from China, something that not only Suzuki but also many other brands are facing.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/ly-do-nao-khien-suzuki-swift-tam-dung-san-xuat-tai-nhat-post1546394.html