ISDS Case Map
Japan
One prominent digital-privacy group is warning that a new trade deal between the United Kingdom and Japan could result in an “existential threat” to British data privacy.
Japan will exempt its key farm products including rice and wheat from being subject to tariff cuts or elimination in a mega regional trade deal between Asia-Pacific countries including China, a draft of the agreement showed Tuesday.
The Japanese government has finalized a bill on Wednesday for a new economic partnership agreement with the United Kingdom. The government aims to seek swift Diet approval so that the deal will take effect on January 1, 2021.
In a major speech on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping talked up his country’s plans for playing a greater role in global trade, without mentioning ongoing tensions with the US.
The UK has taken the first step in its post-Brexit FTA agenda by signing the Japan–UK CEPA on 23 October. Although the UK government called the deal a ‘historic free trade agreement’, its main value appears to be political — especially for UK domestic politics.
UK-Japan trade deal contains very limited improvements relative to the trade deal the UK enjoyed with Japan through its EU membership - the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in February 2019.
Trade talks with the EU remain uncertain, with negotiations focused on issues like fishing that have little bearing for the City. But in the meantime, Japan has given “global Britain” — and particularly the City — something to celebrate.
Praising the agreement as a "historic moment," both countries are eager to strengthen their economic ties. Tokyo is also hoping the UK will play a stronger role in Indo-Pacific security to contain Chinese expansion.
India’s pullout from the RCEP, like the prior U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, has made a situation for Japan.
Bangladesh will request Japan to commence a joint feasibility study on the signing of a free trade area agreement to help boost bilateral trade, officials said.
