Free trade with Japan alters the course of Europe’s auto industry

While the prolonged confusion around a post-Brexit trade agreement shows little signs of lifting, Europe has pressed ahead with a pivotal economic deal with Japan. It took 18 rounds of talks, but in December 2017 the European Union (EU) and Japan agreed the final terms of a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). It came into force on 1 February 2019, creating the largest open trade zone in the world.