The EU and Japan pledged on Wednesday to work together on championing a "free and fair" trade global system, as US tariffs and disputes with China rattle their economies.Facing a swirl of speculation over his future following a weekend election debacle,

At Wednesday's summit, the EU and Japan are expected to reaffirm their commitment to a rules-based order, as both face trade disputes with the US, but the pair offer differing approaches to negotiations with the Trump administration.

The European Union and Japan will work more closely to counter economic coercion and address unfair trade practices, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters on Wednesday.

Leaders from Japan and the European Union have agreed on cooperation in the defense industry, economic security and other areas.

U.S. automakers worry that President Donald Trump’s agreement to tariff Japanese vehicles at 15% would put them at a competitive disadvantage, saying they will face steeper import taxes on steel, aluminum and parts than their competitors,

Stocks hit fresh all-time highs. The S&P 500 gained 0.8% and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.6%, both ending at record highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 507 points, or 1.1%. **The rally was ai

European Council President Antonio Costa said Tuesday the European Union aims to "upgrade" its relationship with Japan to "a new level" through an upcoming summit in Tokyo, focusing on trade and security.

The European Union has unexpectedly lifted sanctions on three Japanese LNG carriers owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, which were imposed just two months ago. The European Commission explained the move by citing assurances that the vessels would no longer carry Russian gas.