Japan, EU Business Leaders Urge Robust Supply Chains for Critical Items
Japanese and European business leaders convened in Brussels to call for strengthened supply chains for critical products, including rare earth elements and semiconductors, to ensure economic security. Following the EU-Japan Business Round Table, nearly 100 corporate executives emphasized the necessity of promoting free trade and preventing export barriers on technologies and raw materials. The group highlighted the need for deeper collaboration between Japan and the EU amidst unprecedented geopolitical and economic transformations. They argued that strengthening partnerships in global trade and industrial competitiveness would help navigate challenges such as protectionism and regulatory complexity. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical risks, including the Iran war, tariff policies under U.S. President Donald Trump, and intensifying U.S.-China rivalry. Additionally, deteriorating relations between Japan and China, exacerbated by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan, have led to increased pressure on Japanese businesses through Chinese export controls. The leaders advocated for leveraging technological leadership to counter the weaponization of goods and services, urging both governments to assess and expand their strategic capabilities while maintaining a commitment to multilateralism and open trade with like-minded partners.
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Japan, EU Business Leaders Urge Robust Supply Chains for Critical Items
Japanese and European business leaders convened in Brussels to call for strengthened supply chains for critical products, including rare earth elements and semiconductors, to ensure economic security. Following the EU-Japan Business Round Table, nearly 100 corporate executives emphasized the necessity of promoting free trade and preventing export barriers on technologies and raw materials. The group highlighted the need for deeper collaboration between Japan and the EU amidst unprecedented geopolitical and economic transformations. They argued that strengthening partnerships in global trade and industrial competitiveness would help navigate challenges such as protectionism and regulatory complexity. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical risks, including the Iran war, tariff policies under U.S. President Donald Trump, and intensifying U.S.-China rivalry. Additionally, deteriorating relations between Japan and China, exacerbated by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan, have led to increased pressure on Japanese businesses through Chinese export controls. The leaders advocated for leveraging technological leadership to counter the weaponization of goods and services, urging both governments to assess and expand their strategic capabilities while maintaining a commitment to multilateralism and open trade with like-minded partners.
The Mainichi