Japan and EU strike free trade deal after four years of talks
Agreement sends anti-protectionist signal ahead of G20 summit in Germany

Japan and the EU have agreed on the outline of a free trade deal after four years of negotiations.
"At the heart of the deal is an agreement for the EU to open its market to the Japanese auto industry, with Tokyo in return scrapping barriers to EU farming products, especially dairy," says AFP.
Yesterday's announcement, which came on the eve of the G20 summit in Hamburg, has been seen as a clear rejection of protectionist trade policies touted by US President Donald Trump.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
As Brexit negotiations get underway, the pact "will also show skeptics in the EU the benefits of staying in the grouping with access to inner and outer markets," the Japan Times reports.
But the BBC reports that few specific details are known and "a full, workable agreement may take some time".
It comes six months after Trump followed through on his campaign promise to pull the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal with Japan and ten other Pacific ring countries.
"Although some are saying that the time of isolationism is coming again, we are demonstrating that this is not the case," European Council President Donald Tusk told the BBC.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The end of ‘golden ticket’ asylum rights
The Explainer Refugees lose automatic right to bring family over and must ‘earn’ indefinite right to remain
-
Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibe
The Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort
-
Sudoku hard: October 8, 2025
The Week's daily hard sudoku puzzle
-
Japan poised to get first woman prime minister
Speed Read The ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Moldova gives decisive win to pro-EU party
Speed Read The country is now on track to join the European Union within five years
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
US and Japan strike trade deal
Speed Read Trump signed what he's calling the 'largest deal ever made'
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024