Japan, Germany, Pledge to Work Together on Free Trade

Over the weekend, Japan and Germany announced an agreement to work together on free trade. The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s removal of the U.S from the TPP, which included Japan.  TPP was estimated to be worth $4 billion to U.S. agriculture.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe both called for a free trade deal to be reached quickly between Japan and the European Union.  Neither leader mentioned the United States, but Reuters says the move is seen as a positioning away from protectionists trade views demonstrated by President Trump.  The comments also follow a meeting of TPP nations last week in Chile focusing on the next chapter of the trade agreement without the United States.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com