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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Let's call it seed money': Donald Trump says Japan to invest $550 billion in US to lower tariffs — but deal still unclear
President Donald Trump claims that Japan has committed $550 billion for US investments under a new trade framework, though the figure remains under negotiation and far from confirmed. "Japan is putting up $550 billion in order to lower their tariffs a little bit," Trump said on Thursday, further adding that, "They put up, as you could call it, seed money. Let's call it seed money." According to Trump, the US would receive 90% of profits from these investments, despite Japan providing the capital. He described it as a "signing bonus" linked to reducing threatened tariffs from 25% to 15%, including automotive sectors. A White House source, told the Associated Press that terms remain under discussion without formal documentation. They suggested the intended $550 billion fund would make investments under Trump's guidance. This amount is considerable, representing over 10% of Japan's GDP. The Japan External Trade Organisation reports direct US investments reached $780 billion in 2023. The extent to which the $550 billion represents fresh investment versus existing plans remains unclear. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Cisurupan Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo The trade framework announced Tuesday has provided the Trump administration with significant discussion points. Trump states he has attracted trillions in new US investments, though economic indicators haven't yet reflected these commitments in employment, construction or manufacturing figures. The framework allows Trump to demonstrate other nations accepting goods taxation, although US consumers may ultimately bear some costs. Regarding the $550 billion, Japan's Cabinet Office confirmed it involves state-affiliated financial institutions' credit facilities, including Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Additional details to be finalised as investment talks progress. Japanese trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, refrained from elaborating on the $550 billion investment details. "If we find differences of understanding, we may have to point them out and say that's not what we discussed,'" Akazawa said. Meanwhile, the US reportedly released its version of the deal while Japanese officials were still on their flight back. The US administration detailed that the investment would span across sectors including critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, computer chips and shipbuilding. Additionally, they stated Japan would purchase 100 Boeing aircraft and US-grown rice within this framework. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated quarterly evaluations would occur. "And if the president is unhappy, then they will boomerang back to the 25 per cent tariff rates, both on cars and the rest of their products. And I can tell you that I think at 25, especially in cars, the Japanese economy doesn't work," Bessent told Fox News. Akazawa denied Bessent's statement about quarterly reviews being part of the negotiations, saying that, "In my past eight trips to the United States during which I held talks with the president and the ministers. I have no recollection of discussing how we ensure the implementation of the latest agreement between Japan and the United States." He expressed concerns about significant economic and administrative disruptions if rates increase to 25 per cent on August 1 before decreasing to 15 per cent. He stated, "We definitely want to avoid that and I believe that is the understanding shared by the US side." Regarding US rice imports, Japanese officials maintained their position on the existing 770,000-ton "minimum access" limit. Agricultural minister Shinjiro Koizumi clarified that Japan would independently determine any increase in US rice imports, without commitment to a specific quota. Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said Japan's deal could prompt other countries, like South Korea, to start trade talks with the US. Meanwhile, Trump, currently in Scotland, is expected to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday to discuss trade. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Daily Tribune
23-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Coca-Cola plans US cane sugar alternative after Trump push
Coca-Cola on Tuesday said it would release a version of Coke in the United States made with US-grown real cane sugar, a move requested by President Donald Trump. 'We're going to be bringing a Coke sweetened with US cane sugar into the market this fall, and I think that will be an enduring option for consumers,' said CEO James Quincey on a call with analysts. The company currently uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for many of its US products -- a sweetener that has long drawn criticism from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda. Trump last week said that the company had agreed to use cane sugar in the United States version of Coke. 'This will be a very good move by them -- You'll see. It's just better!' Trump wrote on Truth Social. Coca-Cola at the time did not confirm the move even if it said it appreciated Trump's 'enthusiasm' for its brand. In announcing the new option, Quincey insisted that the main Coke product would still be made with corn syrup, with the cane sugar version offered as an alternative. Mexican Coke -- which is made with cane sugar -- is often sold at a premium in US stores and prized for its more 'natural' flavor. The US president did not explain what motivated his push for the change.
23-07-2025
- Business
Affordable Despite High Tariffs? Private Rice Imports Spike in Japan
In 1995, Japan made the decision to open up its rice market. Up to that point, there had been very few imports of rice into the country, but under the Uruguay Round Agreement, part of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, Japan agreed to import a 'minimum access' quota (currently 770,000 tons of unpolished rice each year) tariff-free. Minimum access rice is imported and sold centrally by the government in order to minimize its impact on distribution of domestically produced rice. Out of the current 770,000 tons of imports, a maximum of 100,000 tons is allocated for human consumption, which equates to approximately 1.5% of the recent annual demand for staple rice (7 million tons). When private companies import rice, they are subject to a high tariff of ¥341 per kilogram. In recent years, these private imports have generally stayed in the range of 600 to 800 tons per year. The graph below shows rice import volumes, with yellow representing minimum access rice and red private imports, which, as can be seen, were such a small amount up to 2024 that they were practically invisible. A graph of just the private imports shows a sharp increase since the start of 2025. The 1,280 tons in March exceeded the total of 1,015 tons for the whole of 2024, and this rose to 6,838 tons in April, and then 10,607 tons in May. The soaring price of domestically produced rice makes it seem that foreign rice is cheaper, even when tariffs and other import costs are taken into account. In the past, the majority of foreign rice was imported from Thailand, Vietnam, India, and other Asian countries. However, since the beginning of 2025, the ratio of rice being imported from the United States has been increasing, surpassing 70% in May. In June, the major retailer Aeon began selling 100% US-grown rice in its stores, mainly in urban areas, while restaurant chains and other establishments are moving forward with using foreign-grown rice, as well as blends of domestic rice with US and other foreign-grown rice. Data Sources (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: Karoyaka, 100% Californian-grown Calrose rice from the United States, being sold at Aeon on May 13, 2025. © Jiji.)
Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Coca-Cola plans US cane sugar alternative after Trump push
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Coca Cola currently uses high-fructose corn syrup for many of its US products. WASHINGTON - Coca-Cola on July 22 said it would release a version of Coke in the United States made with US-grown real cane sugar, a move requested by President Donald Trump. 'We're going to be bringing a Coke sweetened with US cane sugar into the market this fall, and I think that will be an enduring option for consumers,' said CEO James Quincey on a call with analysts. The company currently uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for many of its US products – a sweetener that has long drawn criticism from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda. Mr Trump last week said that the company had agreed to use cane sugar in the United States version of Coke. 'This will be a very good move by them – You'll see. It's just better!' Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social. Coca-Cola at the time did not confirm the move even if it said it appreciated Mr Trump's 'enthusiasm' for its brand. In announcing the new option, Mr Quincey insisted that the main Coke product would still be made with corn syrup, with the cane sugar version offered as an alternative. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Opinion Most companies onboard wrong – here's how to get it right Life Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath's bat-biting frontman turned reality TV star, dies aged 76 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving Mexican Coke – which is made with cane sugar – is often sold at a premium in US stores and prized for its more 'natural' flavor. The US president did not explain what motivated his push for the change, which would not impact his well-known favorite beverage, Diet Coke. Since his return to the White House, Mr Trump has re-installed a special button in the Oval Office that summons a helping of the sugar-free carbonated drink. HFCS became popular in the 1970s, with its use skyrocketing thanks to government subsidies for corn growers and high import tariffs on cane sugar. Any shift away from corn is likely to draw backlash in the Corn Belt, a Mid-western region that has been a stronghold of support for Mr Trump. Both HFCS and sucrose (cane sugar) are composed of fructose and glucose, but differ at the structural level. Those differences don't appear to significantly affect health outcomes, according to research. Mr Trump's preferred Diet Coke is sweetened with aspartame – a compound classified as a 'possible carcinogen' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. AFP
eNCA
22-07-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Coca-Cola plans US cane sugar alternative after Trump push
Coca-Cola on Tuesday said it would release a version of Coke in the United States made with US-grown real cane sugar, a move requested by President Donald Trump. "We're going to be bringing a Coke sweetened with US cane sugar into the market this fall, and I think that will be an enduring option for consumers," said CEO James Quincey on a call with analysts. The company currently uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for many of its US products -- a sweetener that has long drawn criticism from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. Trump last week said that the company had agreed to use cane sugar in the United States version of Coke. "This will be a very good move by them -- You'll see. It's just better!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. Coca-Cola at the time did not confirm the move even if it said it appreciated Trump's "enthusiasm" for its brand. In announcing the new option, Quincey insisted that the main Coke product would still be made with corn syrup, with the cane sugar version offered as an alternative. Mexican Coke -- which is made with cane sugar -- is often sold at a premium in US stores and prized for its more "natural" flavor. The US president did not explain what motivated his push for the change, which would not impact his well-known favorite beverage, Diet Coke. Since his return to the White House, Trump has reinstalled a special button in the Oval Office that summons a helping of the sugar-free carbonated drink. HFCS became popular in the 1970s, with its use skyrocketing thanks to government subsidies for corn growers and high import tariffs on cane sugar. Any shift away from corn is likely to draw backlash in the Corn Belt, a Midwestern region that has been a stronghold of support for Trump. Both HFCS and sucrose (cane sugar) are composed of fructose and glucose, but differ at the structural level. Those differences don't appear to significantly affect health outcomes, according to research.
