Japan and EU sign trade pact, giving metaphorical middle finger to Trump
Brussels — On Thursday, Japan and the EU agreed to a free-trade pact, signalling their opposition to what they see as US President Donald Trump’s protectionist turn. Signed in Brussels on the eve of meetings with Trump at a Group of 20 (G-20) summit in Hamburg, the "political agreement" between two of the world’s biggest economies is heavy with symbolism and leaves some areas of negotiation still to be completed, though officials insist the key snags were overcome this week. "We promised to do everything in our power to conclude political and trade talks between Japan and the EU on the eve of the G-20 summit. And we did it," European Council president Donald Tusk told a news conference. In the works for four years, what will be known as the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement has been pushed over the line towards a final treaty signature in the coming months by the election of Trump, and his moves to ditch a Pacific trade pact that included Japan and leave talks with the EU in l...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.