The US and Japan Accelerate $550 Billion Investment Plan, First Project May be Announced.

Japan and the United States are preparing to expedite the $550 billion investment initiative from Japan to the United States. The plan is part of a broader trade agreement aimed at lowering the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Trump. On Tuesday evening, the first project's negotiation group meeting was held. The statement said that Japanese Trade Minister Akira Amari, as well as U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, attended the meeting, which lasted about two hours. The inaugural meeting of the initiative was held last week, signaling the formal start of the investment selection process. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday, stating, "Ministers from both sides agreed to expedite preparatory work to announce the first project under the Strategic Investment Initiative as soon as possible." After the negotiation group completes its discussions, recommendations will be submitted to the investment committee led by Lutnick. The final investment approval will be made by Trump based on the committee's recommendations. If Japan does not provide funding for the relevant projects within 45 days of Trump's decision, they may face higher tariffs. Earlier this year, Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Japanese goods to 25%, but after Japan agreed to increase its investment in the U.S. by $550 billion, Trump lowered tariffs on most goods to 15%.