Japan and the EU sign a major trade agreement

The ambitious pact signed in Tokyo goes against the measures taken by US President Donald Trump to increase trading partners. "The EU and Japan have shown unwavering determination to lead the world as a flagship of free trade," Abe said at a joint press conference with China. European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker

Tusk hailed the agreement as "the largest bilateral trade agreement ever signed."

The leaders did not mention Trump. was on their mind – highlighting how Europe and Japan were pushed closer by Trump's actions.

The agreement was largely reached at the end of last year. The signing ceremony was postponed earlier this month because Abe canceled his visit to Brussels due to a disaster in southwestern Japan caused by heavy rains.

The measures will not be taken immediately and require legislative approval. But they will bring Japanese consumers to lower prices for European wines, pork, handbags and pharmaceuticals.

Japanese machinery parts, tea and fish will become cheaper in Europe

sold to the EU. About 94 percent of tariffs on European exports to Japan will be lifted, reaching 99 percent in the future.

The EU said trade liberalization will help increase European exports of chemicals, clothing, cosmetics and beer to Japan. The Japanese will get cheaper cheeses such as Parmesan, Gouda and Cheddar, as well as chocolate and cookies.

In addition to its agreement with the EU, Japan is working on other trade agreements, including a far-reaching transboundary agreement. The partnership includes Australia, Mexico, Vietnam and other countries, although the United States withdrew.