Trump made a deal with Japans first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, on October 28th. This deal involved Japan giving the U.S. rare earth materials for things like cars, jets, computer chips, as well as a few other things. In exchange the U.S.promised tariff reductions as well as giving Japan some rare earth metals of their own. Both countries also pledged to strengthen their defensive capabilities.

President Trump stated that he would lower Japan’s tariff amount to 15% instead of the previous 25% that was mentioned by Trump. Prime Minister Takaichi, in exchange for the reduced tariffs will be giving the United States rare materials which China, according to Reuters “processes more than 90% of the worlds rare earths”(Hunnicutt, Golubkova,Oct 28).

Japan also pledged to invest $550 billion into the United States’ market with things such as American rice, cars, and defense equipment. Although it is not exactly clear yet where the invested money will go exactly.

Trump and Takaichi signed a framework agreement to supply each other with rare metals and materials. President Trump has made deals with Australia and Ukraine as well, due to China’s recent restrictions on exports of their rare earth materials.

Trump stated to CBS that he thought the deal was “very fair” and called Japan an “ally at the strongest level”(Trump,Oct 28th). Trump was also heard saying that he thinks she will be one of Japan’s greatest Prime Ministers.

According to federal statistics, Japan is the fifth largest trading partner of the United States making up 4.3% of total trade.