On 17 July, the European Union (EU) and Japan finally sealed the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (JEEPA). Amid Brexit turmoil and the US-triggered tariff conflict, the pact emerges as a beacon of hope for international trade.
However, challenges abound and it might take a while before EU companies enjoy unfettered access to Japan's alluring markets. EU looking east In light of recent geopolitical developments, the signing of the JEEPA was, to say the least, timely. Although negotiations had kicked off in 2013, they gained momentum after President Donald Trump took office in 2017, implemented his 'America First' policy and the ensuing protectionist measures. But the EU is busy courting new commercial partners and handling multiple free trade deals with Canada, Australia and Japan. The latter is the wor...
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