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japan
Trade India seeks review and expansion of 15-year-old free trade pact with Japan
India on Wednesday reiterated its demand for a review of the 15-year-old Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan and signalled willingness to expand the pact's scope, Business-Today reported. Bilateral trade stands at $27.5 billion, with India's trade deficit widening to $15.5 billion from $11 billion in 2022-23.
Trade India, Japan Working to Expand Scope of Trade Pact, Piyush Goyal Says
India and Japan are working to expand the scope of their 15-year-old CEPA, Minister Piyush Goyal said. Two-way commerce grew 9.18 per cent to USD 27.47 billion in 2025-26, while the trade deficit widened to USD 15.4 billion.
Trade India-Japan Trade at USD 27.5 Billion in FY 2025-26 Still Fraction of Potential: Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said bilateral trade between India and Japan stood at around USD 27.5 billion in FY 2025-26, calling it still a fraction of the potential. Addressing the UP-Japan Investment Meet 2026, he noted a target of 10 trillion yen in Japanese investment in India over the next decade.
Logistics Franbo Lines approves $29m Japanese newbuild, lifts MPP fleet expansion to 12 ships
Taiwan's Franbo Lines has approved a $29m multipurpose newbuild at an unidentified Japanese yard, lifting its MPP expansion slate to 12 ships. The 16,500 dwt Singapore-flagged vessel was ordered through new vehicle Franbo Jade, with no delivery date disclosed. The order marks a return to Japanese shipbuilding after recent fleet expansion shifted to China.
Technology Why Japanese firms are being so slow to use AI: OECD data and cultural barriers
A BBC report says just 8.4% of Japanese workers use AI, versus 50% in the US and 32% in the UK, citing conservative corporate culture and low tolerance for errors. The government has passed an AI Promotion Act to encourage adoption.
Logistics Samudera-Imoto venture orders first newbuild for Japan push
Samudera Shipping Line and Imoto Corporation's Japanese joint venture, Blue Ocean Shipping, has ordered its first newbuild: a 696 teu feeder from Zhejiang Xinle Shipbuilding, according to Splash247. Delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2028. The vessel will support the venture's expansion in Japan's coastal and regional shipping markets.
Uni-Asia orders second Japanese handysize bulker from Imabari, doubling newbuild programme
Singapore-listed Uni-Asia Group has ordered a second 40,000 dwt handysize bulk carrier from Imabari Shipbuilding in Japan, doubling its handysize newbuild programme. The vessel, contracted through Nihon Shipyard and an affiliate, is scheduled for delivery between Q4 2029 and H1 2030, featuring a fuel-efficient dual-fuel-ready design.
Finance Friendship with Benefits: Why Trump Is Helping Japan Rescue the Yen
The US and Japan staged the first coordinated intervention in almost three decades to strengthen the yen, spending up to $36.58 billion in a single day. The move shields Tokyo's more than $1.1 trillion Treasury holdings from forced sales, while changing the cost calculus for companies with yen exposure.
Manufacturing Mitsui E&S completes factory acceptance testing for Japan's first WinGD methanol engine
Mitsui E&S completed factory acceptance testing of the DU-WinGD 6X82DF-M-1.0 LP-SCR, Japan's first WinGD methanol dual-fuel large marine engine, built at the Tamano Works. The engine is set to power the first of four vessels for an unnamed Japanese shipowner. The model is also the basis of a methanol VLCC design ordered by Iino, NYK and Idemitsu Tanker, while Mitsui E&S expands production and ammonia testing capacity.
Finance Japan, US Back Yen in Rare Joint Intervention; Tokyo Signals More Possible
Japan's Ministry of Finance said it bought yen on July 31 in coordination with the US Treasury, citing excessive volatility. The intervention followed a September 2025 joint statement, and Tokyo said it will not hesitate to act again. Japan also cut its growth forecast to 0.9% from 1.3%.
Finance US and Japan Launch Rare Joint Intervention to Halt Yen Slide to 40-Year Low
Japan and the US confirmed a rare joint currency intervention to halt the yen's slide to a 40-year low. Bank of Japan data suggests Tokyo sold almost $59bn, while the US Treasury signalled further action. Both governments pledged to intervene again if disorderly moves continue.
Logistics NYK moves to absorb NS United in near $1bn deal, lifting stake to 83.33%
Japanese shipping major NYK is set to absorb dry bulk affiliate NS United Kaiun in a two-stage transaction worth about $992m, lifting its holding to 83.33% and paving the way for a Tokyo Stock Exchange delisting. The deal, backed by NS United's board, includes a tender offer priced at ¥10,600 per share with a 36.95% premium, plus a share buyback from Nippon Steel. Completion is targeted by mid-April 2027 after competition clearances in Japan, Australia, China and Brazil.
Logistics MISC orders small-scale LNG carrier for Japan trade
MISC has ordered an 18,700 cu m LNG carrier from Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding under a 10-year charter with Malaysia LNG. The vessel will serve the Bintulu-to-Sendai trade starting in 2028, supporting a nearly three-decade supply relationship with Petronas. The newbuild is China's first small-scale LNG carrier with a membrane containment system.
Finance 'Buy $5-10 Billion Yen': Bessent's 'To Do' Note Hints at US Plan to Back Japanese Currency
A Reuters photograph of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's notepad at a Camp David cabinet meeting shows a 'To Do' entry to buy $5-10 billion yen, signaling US readiness to intervene in the currency market. The Financial Times reports the US has already joined Tokyo in yen support for the first time since 2011, while Japan may have spent $58.97 billion on Thursday alone.
Finance Japanese Bank Merger Creates $12.8bn Ship Finance Heavyweight, Uniting Two Regional Lenders
Two of Japan's most important regional maritime lenders, Iyogin Holdings and Ehime Bank, have signed a basic agreement to integrate, creating a banking group with more than ¥2.1trn ($12.8bn) in ship and maritime loans. The merger, effective April 1 next year, will combine Iyo Bank's ¥1.6trn shipping portfolio with Ehime Bank's ¥500bn exposure, making the group the third-largest ship finance lender in Japan and 10th globally.
Logistics Wisdom Marine Abandons Plans for Two Handysize Newbuilds from Naikai Zosen
Wisdom Marine has terminated plans to acquire two handysize newbuildings from Japan's Naikai Zosen, citing failure to reach an agreement. The deal, approved in March 2025 with a $70.75 million budget, never progressed to a formal contract. Wisdom reports no material financial or operational impact.
Logistics NYK Completes Full Acquisition of Saga Welco from Westfal-Larsen Strengthening Dry Bulk
Japanese shipping major NYK has completed the full acquisition of Norwegian open-hatch operator Saga Welco by buying out Westfal-Larsen's 50% stake. The deal closed on July 20, 2026, with financial terms undisclosed. Saga Welco operates 48 vessels and 120 employees, specializing in semi-liner services for pulp, forest products, and project cargoes.
Technology Cyberattack on Refrigerated Warehouse Disrupts Glico, KFC Japan, and Sushi Deliveries
A cyberattack on Japan's largest refrigerated warehouse operator, Nichirei, has disrupted supplies for Ezaki Glico, KFC Japan, and Kura Sushi. The incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in food supply chain technology and logistics networks.
Finance Japan's Sompo Eyes Big India Play as Insurance Reforms Open 100% FDI Door
Japan's Sompo Holdings is evaluating a deeper push into India's insurance market after the government raised the FDI limit to 100%. The company holds a 34.61% stake in Universal Sompo General Insurance and sees India as a strategically important market, with CEO Kenneth Reilly expressing encouragement over regulatory changes and committing to future capital support.
Commodities Equinor exits Japan offshore wind market, closes Tokyo office by end of 2026
Equinor has decided to end its offshore wind business in Japan and close its Tokyo office by the end of 2026, according to a company statement. The move reflects a reassessment of strategic direction with a strengthened focus on integrated power markets. Equinor stated that Japan remains an important country and that it will continue to invest in relationships in technology, commodities, and supply chain.
Trade Automobiles Drive India's Export Growth to Japan, Rubix Data Sciences Report Shows
A new report by Rubix Data Sciences reveals that automobiles are the largest contributor to India's export growth to Japan. India's goods exports increased from USD 4.4 billion in FY21 to USD 6.2 billion in FY25, while imports rose from USD 10.9 billion to USD 18.9 billion, widening the trade deficit. The report also highlights strong Japanese investment interest, with 81.5% of Japanese firms planning to expand operations in India.
Technology India-Japan Annual Summit Targets AI, Semiconductors and Clean Energy for Supply Chain Diversification
The India-Japan Annual Summit will emphasize artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and clean energy as the two nations seek to diversify supply chains. Bilateral trade crossed $27 billion in 2025-26, and Japan remains India's fifth-largest investor with cumulative investment of $48.17 billion.
Trade Japan-India Annual Summit: 150+ Firms Back $12.5 Billion Leap to Fortify Security Ties
At the Japan-India Annual Summit in New Delhi, over 150 Japanese companies are participating in initiatives valued at approximately 2 trillion yen ($12.5 billion) to strengthen bilateral security and economic ties. The draft joint statement addresses rare earth export curbs by China, defence equipment transfer updates, and cooperation on AI, chips, and clean energy.
Trade India-Japan Summit: Modi and Takaichi Deepen Bilateral Partnership with $12.5 Billion Investment Push
The India-Japan annual summit between PM Narendra Modi and PM Sanae Takaichi concluded with the exchange of several MoUs covering economic cooperation, AI, and metals and energy security. More than 150 Japanese companies are participating in the Japan-India Economic Forum, with approximately 120 cooperation agreements expected, valued at around ¥2 trillion ($12.5 billion) across semiconductors, clean energy, AI, and manufacturing.
Business Japan’s Rs 1 Trillion Investment Push in India: PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Unveil Initiatives to Boost Ties
India and Japan announced a new economic partnership framework, a defence agreement, and energy cooperation after summit talks. PM Modi stated over 100 business agreements were signed, paving the way for $10 billion in Japanese investments, with a target of 10 trillion yen over a decade. Japan plans around Rs 1 trillion in investments across various sectors, with 120 MoUs signed since August 2025.
Trade India-Japan Trade: PM Modi, Japanese PM Takaichi Sign MoC Including $10 Billion Investment and AI Boost
India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation at the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi, with over $10 billion in Japanese investment committed through 120 new business agreements. The two leaders also announced a joint statement on artificial intelligence and a first joint defence co-development project, the Naval Radio Antenna 'Unicorn'. Agreements in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology were also signed.
Commodities India and Japan to Sign LNG Security Pact Amid Global Supply Disruptions
India and Japan are set to sign an agreement to strengthen LNG supply security during the annual summit between PM Modi and PM Takaichi. The pact includes a joint task force for stockpiling and information-sharing, amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
Logistics Greek owner Ionic orders four tanker newbuilds at Japanese shipyards for fleet renewal
Greek shipping company Ionic has ordered four tanker newbuildings at Japanese shipyards, according to Greek media reports. The order, led by owner Dimitris Sarakakis, includes a mix of suezmax and aframax tankers aimed at fleet renewal rather than expansion. No price or delivery dates have been disclosed.
Logistics Japanese Shipping Venture Sakura Ocean Places Debut Bulker Orders at Three Domestic Yards
Sakura Ocean Corporation has ordered its first three bulk carriers at three Japanese shipyards: Imabari Shipbuilding, Onomichi Dockyard, and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding. The 40,000–42,000 dwt vessels are scheduled for delivery by 2030 and will be employed under long-term charter with domestic shipping companies. The venture was established in January 2025 via a capital and business alliance led by SOMEC Corporation, Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Onomichi Dockyard, and Kambara Kisen.
Regulations & Compliance India Opens Dumping Probe Into Chinese, Japanese Chemical Used in Tyres and Rubber Products
India has opened an anti-dumping probe into imports of a chemical used in tyres and rubber products from China and Japan, as reported by the Times of India's TOI Business Desk. The investigation targets a specific chemical essential for tyre and rubber manufacturing. Further details on the product scope, timeline, and affected parties are expected as the probe progresses.
Regulations & Compliance India Initiates Anti-Dumping Probe Against Chinese, Japanese Chemical Used in Tyres and Rubber
India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of Resorcinol, a chemical used in tyre and rubber products, from China and Japan. The probe follows a complaint by domestic producer Atul Ltd, which alleged that cheap imports are harming the Indian industry. The investigation will determine the existence, degree, and effect of dumping.
Logistics MOL and NYK Sign Long-Term Ammonia Carrier Charters with JERA for US-Japan Low-Carbon Fuel Supply
Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) have each signed long-term charter contracts with JERA for four very large gas carriers (VLGCs) to transport low-carbon ammonia from the US to Japan. The vessels, built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, will support JERA's ammonia co-firing project at Hekinan Thermal Power Station, marking Japan's first large-scale low-carbon ammonia value chain.
Business Japan Ice Cream Giants Raided Over Suspected Price-Fixing Cartel
Japan's Fair Trade Commission raided six major ice cream makers on suspicion of forming a cartel to fix prices. Companies including Meiji, Morinaga Milk, Lotte, Morinaga, Ezaki Glico, and Akagi Nyugyo allegedly raised prices by 5-10% several times. The firms say they are cooperating with the investigation.
Commodities UK and Japan Sign £9bn Offshore Wind Investment Pact for 5.9GW Floating Projects
The UK and Japan have signed an Offshore Wind Compact worth up to £9bn ($12.1bn), supporting 5.9GW of floating offshore wind projects including Ossian, Green Volt, and Erebus. The pact aims to reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and strengthen energy security.
Business Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rate to 1%, Highest Since 1995
The Bank of Japan raised its main interest rate to 1% from 0.75%, the highest since 1995, as global energy prices and the Iran war fuel inflation. Governor Kazuo Ueda missed the meeting due to a liver infection, but the BOJ continues its gradual tightening path started in March 2024.
Trade UK and Japan Agree £18bn Investment Deal Covering Infrastructure, Offshore Wind
The UK and Japan have agreed a multi-billion pound investment deal worth £18bn, with Japanese firms committing to spend over £9bn on UK infrastructure and financial services and up to £9bn on offshore wind. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in London to finalise the agreement, which Downing Street said will create tens of thousands of jobs.
Technology Japanese Utility Loses Drive with 10.9M Records: What Enterprises Must Learn
Kyushu Electric Power Co. reported a physical storage drive containing data of 10.9 million customers missing from an unlocked cabinet. The incident underscores critical physical security gaps in enterprise data protection, with regulators demanding a full report by July 8, 2026.
Logistics MOL and JAL Partner on Futuristic Seaglider Project
Mitsui OSK Lines and Japan Airlines are collaborating with Regent and Lloyd’s Register to develop the Seaglider, a zero-emission wing-in-ground craft. This initiative aims to revolutionize transport for coastal cities and island communities by 2030.
Trade India, Japan Strengthen Indo-Pacific Trade Ties
India and Japan have aligned their strategies to enhance trade and economic security in the Indo-Pacific region. This collaboration aims to strengthen supply chain resilience and promote economic growth through investment and innovation.
Logistics DryDel Expands Fleet with New Japanese Bulker Orders
DryDel Shipping has ordered three new bulk carriers from Japanese shipyards, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly and efficient fleet expansion. This move aligns with DryDel's strategy to maintain a modern and competitive fleet.