Despite a 5.2 trillion yen ($37 billion) overall trade deficit for the fiscal year, Japan reported a substantial 9 trillion yen ($63 billion) surplus with the U.S. This surplus, however, comes amidst ongoing trade tensions and threatened U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods, including automobiles and auto parts. While Japanese exports increased by 5.9%, a weaker yen inflated import costs. March saw a smaller surplus than February, suggesting potential vulnerability despite the current U.S. trade surplus.
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The United States has added Switzerland to its list of countries engaging in unfair trade practices, a designation confirmed by Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. This action follows a call from a US trade delegate for reports on unfair practices from partner countries, particularly those with positive trade balances like Switzerland. However, Swiss officials contest this classification, highlighting Switzerland’s unilaterally abolished industrial and pharmaceutical tariffs, allowing duty-free US exports. The Swiss government maintains that its trade practices are fair and already align with past US policy goals.
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