NPR

EU And Japan Strike Trade Deal, Call It 'Strong Message To The World'

The European Union and Japan have reached an agreement in principle for a new free trade deal. It would lower barriers to trade between two of the world's most important economic areas.
European Council President Donald Tusk (left), Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (center) and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker meet at the European Council on Thursday in Brussels. / FRANCOIS WALSCHAERTS / Shutterstock.com

The European Union and Japan have reached an agreement in principle for a new free trade deal, set to lower barriers to trade between two of the world's most important economic powers.

The Economic Partnership Agreement signed in Brussels Thursday comes after 18 negotiating rounds over four years.

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