Japan and Taiwan may be close to a comprehensive trade agreement, which would be good news for both economies' efforts to deepen economic ties.

• Japanese media reports that Tokyo and Taipei are negotiating a broad economic deal, possibly signed by the end of the year.
• The proposed deal would resemble the "Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement" Taiwan signed with the UK in 2023.
• Taiwan's government declined to confirm the specific report but said deepening trade and economic cooperation with Japan has long been a policy goal.
• Over the past year the two sides have already held several economic meetings, including trade talks and a partnership committee, to coordinate on shared economic issues.

Outlook: A formal announcement could come later this year if talks continue on the reported timeline, though officials have not confirmed details.