The EU and Japan are set to underline the virtues of a rules-based economic order when they meet in Tokyo for summit on Wednesday, but the backdrop of tense trade relations with the US is hovering over the shoulders on both sides.
The 30th EU–Japan summit comes at a delicate time, as both powers are entangled in tariff disputes with the US. Japan and the EU are already facing 50% US tariffs on their steel and aluminium exports, 25% on cars, and 10% on all other exports.
