U.S. auto companies are stepping up a congressional lobbying effort in response to Japan's entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) by arguing that it is more important than ever for the agreement to contain “meaningful” provisions on currency manipulation.

For almost two decades, Japan’s economic fortunes have deteriorated, and little seemed to be done about it.

U.S. automakers called on Congress to take action in response to the falling value of the Japanese yen, which they said has hurt their exports and was a good reason to keep Japan out of a proposed U.S.-led free trade pact.