Bilateral trade deal with Japan – largest to date for EU [International Agreements in Progress]

Written by Krisztina Binder, graphics: Giulio Sabbati,

Following the signature of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in July 2018, and the conclusion of the ratification procedures by both partners at the end of 2018, the agreement entered into force on 1 February 2019. The agreement is the EU’s largest bilateral trade agreement to date. It establishes a free trade area with a combined market of around 640 million consumers, accounting for roughly a third of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The European Commission’s analysis of the economic impact of the agreement, published in June 2018, indicated that the EU’s GDP could rise by approximately 0.14 %, and EU exports to Japan by around €13 billion by the time the EPA is fully implemented in 2035. The agreement will provide for significant economic opportunities for sectors such as agri-food and textiles, and it is predicted that no EU sector will be impacted by noticeable losses.

In addition to exploiting the untapped potential of bilateral trade and strengthening the EU’s economic presence in the Asia-Pacific region, the EPA, together with the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), will provide a platform for stronger relations between the EU and Japan. The agreement also conveys a strong message on the parties’ commitment to promoting a free and fair trading system and to rejecting trade protectionism.

Versions

• February 2019: ‘Bilateral trade deal with Japan – largest to date for EU‘
• July 2018: ‘International Agreements in Progress – EU-Japan trade agreement: a driver for closer cooperation beyond trade‘

Japan in figures

EU trade with Japan (2005-2017)