Deals for Japan, Korea, the EU, and Indonesia…but punishment for India

Per Richard Katz, Tokyo finds solace in their deal’s ambiguity. The NY Times asks whether Japan wants American cars. Natixis says that Korea avoided a worst case scenario. The Chosun Daily already finds disagreement over the terms of the US-Korea deal. Matthias Mattijs of the Council on Foreign Relations writes that the EU avoided a war but increased dependence on the US. Reuters reports on a deal between the US and Indonesia, who also published a joint statement. Bloomberg explains how the rift between the US and India could be a win for China, as the White House imposes an additional 25% tariff.

Mentioned publications

Tokyo Says: If We Don’t Put Anything in Writing, We Don’t Have to Fulfill Trump’s Demands – Richard Katz, Japan Economy Watch, July 31, 2025
Richard Katz explains Japan’s strategy of ambiguity in its deal with the US. By avoiding written commitments, Tokyo retains flexibility and avoids binding concessions. The article suggests Japan is cautiously navigating Trump’s demands while preserving autonomy in trade negotiations.
Does Japan Want American Cars? Trump’s Push to Open Foreign Markets Faces Test. – River Akira Davis, The New York Times, August 5, 2025
River Akira Davis explores Japan’s reluctance to open its auto market to US vehicles. Despite pressure from Trump, cultural preferences and regulatory barriers persist. The article questions whether trade deals will meaningfully shift consumer behavior or market dynamics.
South Korea Secured 15% Tariff and Auto Relief, Avoiding a Worst-Case Scenario – Trinh Nguyen, Natixis, August 1, 2025
Trinh Nguyen reports that South Korea avoided worst-case tariffs by securing a 15% rate and auto sector relief. The deal reflects Seoul’s strategic diplomacy and willingness to compromise. The article notes that while tensions remain, the outcome is relatively favorable.
Seoul, Washington at odds on agriculture, $350 bn fund ahead of summit – The Chosun Daily, August 4, 2025
The Chosun Daily highlights unresolved issues in the US–Korea trade deal, including agriculture and a US$350 billion fund. The article suggests that despite headline agreements, substantive disagreements persist, potentially complicating future negotiations.
U.S.-EU Trade Deal Avoids a Tariff War, but Deepens European Dependence - Matthias Mattijs, Council on Foreign Relations, July 30, 2025
Matthias Mattijs argues that the EU avoided a tariff war but at the cost of increased dependence on the US. The deal reflects strategic compromise but raises concerns about sovereignty and long-term economic alignment.
Indonesia to cut tariffs, non-tariff barriers in US trade deal – David Lawder and Andrea Shalal, Reuters, July 22, 2025
Reuters reports that Indonesia agreed to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers in its deal with the US. The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade and investment, with both sides publishing a joint statement outlining the framework.
- Joint Statement on Framework for United States-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade - The White House, July 22, 2025
Modi-Trump Trade Standoff Could Hand China the Prize – Menaka Doshi, Bloomberg, August 7, 2025
Bloomberg presents that India’s exclusion from trade deals and punitive tariffs could be a win for China. The article links the standoff to India’s oil purchases from Russia and suggests geopolitical consequences for US influence in Asia.
- Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation - The White House, August 6, 2025