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EU, Japan sign free trade agreement covering 3rd of planet’s GDP

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The EU and Japan have signed a mammoth free trade deal, creating the world’s biggest economic area, and the biggest trade agreement either has ever committed to.

The deal covers a 3rd of the world’s GDP and will act as a timely counterweight to Trump’s tariffs on trade into the US which included 25% tariffs on Chinese goods worth over $34 billion.

The early winners of the trade deal are the Japanese car market with the new Japan-EU trade deal eliminating 10% car tariffs and 3% tariffs on car parts, whilst 30% duty on cheese and 15% on wine have also been cut. EU exporters will also be keen to exploit new markets within Japan too, with strong demand for high-quality cheese, chocolate, pasta and meats.

Of the deal, Japan prime minister Shinzo Abe noted that: “There are rising concerns about protectionism, but I want Japan and the EU to lead the world by bearing the flag of free trade.”

“We are sending a clear message that we stand against protectionism. The EU and Japan remain open for cooperation,” added Donald Tusk.

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