The $550 Billion Enigma at the Heart of Japan’s Trade Deal
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The trade deal that US President Donald Trump celebrated as the largest in history becomes the more puzzling the more layers are peeled back. The centerpiece is Tokyo’s pledge to set up a $550 billion US investment fund and the lack of detail is raising questions about the viability of an agreement that’s been floated as a potential template for other major trading partners.
The deal imposes 15% tariffs on Japanese cars and other goods, one of the more favorable rates. While the start date and other basic elements are still unknown, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned this week that the US would monitor implementation and bump the rate up to 25% if Trump isn’t satisfied.