China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Defends Controversial Second Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
Japan’s Trade Minister Yoji Muto plans to visit the U.S. in March, aiming to secure exemptions from the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs on steel and car imports, according to Asahi newspaper. Muto is coordinating meetings with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and other top officials to discuss trade concerns and Japan’s interest in increasing American natural gas imports.
Tokyo has urged Washington to exclude Japan from steel and aluminum tariffs, Muto stated last week. Concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on car imports, set to begin in April, have also intensified, with Japan emphasizing the auto industry’s significance to its economy. Toyota (NYSE: TM), Honda (NYSE: HMC), and Nissan (OTC: NSANY), along with their suppliers, employ over 5 million people, accounting for 8% of Japan’s workforce. The transport machinery sector contributes about 3% of the nation’s GDP, underscoring the economic impact of these tariffs.
Japan’s business sector remains wary, with nearly 90% of major firms considering Trump’s trade policies harmful, according to a Reuters survey. Additionally, Muto is expected to raise concerns over Nippon Steel’s stalled bid to acquire U.S. Steel.
Muto aims to visit before March 12, the scheduled start of steel and aluminum tariffs, though his plans may shift depending on Japan’s parliamentary budget sessions, Asahi reported, citing government sources.
By addressing trade concerns, Japan hopes to mitigate economic risks while strengthening ties with the U.S. The outcome of Muto’s negotiations could significantly impact key industries and bilateral trade relations.
