The U.S. and Japan have signed a new trade deal around critical minerals for batteries meant to shore up supply chains for electric vehicles.
The deal is designed to promote fair competition, robust labor and environmental standards, and cooperative efforts between the U.S. and Japan to procure secure and sustainable mineral supplies, according to a Tuesday press release from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
The agreement, signed by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Japan ambassador Tomita Koji, became effective immediately on signing.