Jun 24 (nytimes.com) - The European Union and Japan are close to sealing one of the largest trade agreements ever, a deal that could further isolate the United States as President Trump forges a protectionist path.
The deal, which brings together two giants encompassing a quarter of the world's economy, would be a potent symbol of free trade during a time of populist backlash over globalization.
The agreement would give both parties better access to core industries like cars and machinery, while laying down new rules for resolving investment disputes and removing structural barriers to trade, according to a partial draft of the agreement obtained by The New York Times.
