
FT News Briefing
Japan and the US talk tariffs
Apr 18, 2025
Trade tensions escalate as China halts U.S. liquefied natural gas imports, complicating international energy relations. Japan grapples with tariff negotiations and seeks clarity amidst U.S. political maneuvers. Meanwhile, astronomers present groundbreaking evidence of potential life on exoplanet K2 18b, revealing its oceanic features and organic molecules. The quest for extraterrestrial life intensifies as researchers draw parallels to Earth's history, sparking optimism for discoveries in the near future.
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Quick takeaways
- China's cessation of U.S. liquefied natural gas imports indicates severe trade war impacts, forcing reevaluation of energy contracts and strategies.
- Japan's cautious tariff negotiations with the U.S. illustrate the complexities of maintaining ally relations amid unpredictable trade policies.
Deep dives
Impact of U.S.-China Trade Relations
China's decision to halt liquefied natural gas imports from the U.S. for over ten weeks signals a significant fallout from the ongoing trade war. The imposition of a hefty 49% tariff on U.S. gas has rendered it too expensive for Chinese buyers, casting doubts on multi-billion dollar gas facility expansions in both the U.S. and Mexico. This shift forces Chinese companies to renegotiate existing contracts, reshaping the energy landscape. Such developments underscore the broader implications of trade tensions, affecting both economic strategies and energy cooperation.
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