Tokyo - Saba:
Japanese stocks jumped today, Wednesday, to their highest level in about a year after Japan concluded a trade agreement with the United States that reduces tariffs on its cars.
The Nikkei index rose by 3.7% in today’s trading, benefiting from the rise in shares of automobile manufacturers following news of an agreement that would reduce U.S. tariffs on cars to 15% from the proposed 25%.
Mazda Motor shares rose by 17%, while Toyota Motor shares jumped by 13.6%. Shares of South Korean car manufacturers also rose, as the agreement with Japan boosted optimism regarding potential progress in tariff negotiations between South Korea and the United States.
Japanese markets witnessed a strong rally today, Wednesday, with the Nikkei 225 index jumping by 3.7%, recording its highest level in months, supported by the performance of the automotive sector, which saw significant gains following the announcement of the trade agreement between Japan and the United States.
This major surge came in the wake of the announcement of the details of the trade deal, which stipulates a reduction in U.S. tariffs on Japanese cars from the previously proposed 25% to only 15%. This news had an immediate impact on the shares of major Japanese automakers, with Mazda Motor shares soaring by a remarkable 17%, while Toyota Motor shares jumped by 13.6%.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the trade agreement with Japan last night, Tuesday, stating that it would lead to Japan investing $550 billion in the United States and paying tariffs of 15%.
The U.S. President stated in a post on the “Truth Social” platform that Japan will open up to trade, including cars, trucks, rice, and some agricultural products.
Analysts pointed out that the trade agreement reduced risks that had threatened Japan’s fragile economy, providing greater room for the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates to combat inflation.
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