Trump to direct Japan’s $550B investment in U.S. under new trade deal

Japan has agreed to let U.S. President Donald Trump decide where $550 billion of Japanese capital will be invested in the United States as part of a trade deal to secure tariff relief, according to a memorandum signed this week.

The agreement, enacted Thursday, requires Japan to fund projects selected by Trump within 45 days or face the return of steep tariffs. Japan had been subject to a 25% levy on exports to the U.S., which is now reduced to 15%.

The memorandum states that profits from the investments will be split evenly until Japan’s principal is repaid, after which the U.S. will take 90% of the returns.

The deal marks the latest step in Trump’s push to reshape global trade under his “America First” agenda. In recent months, his administration has secured revenue-sharing arrangements with U.S. chipmakers over sales in China and taken a golden share in U.S. Steel following its $15 billion takeover by Japan’s Nippon Steel.

The new tariff framework also lowers duties on Japanese cars and car parts from 27.5% to 15%. A U.S. investment committee chaired by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will propose projects for Trump’s approval, with an aim to use Japanese suppliers where possible.

Economists said the arrangement could eventually support Japanese exports, depending on procurement levels.

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