Japan Threatens to Sell $1.13 Trillion in US Bonds as Trade Talk Leverage

In a bold move, Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato revealed on Friday that the country's substantial $1.13 trillion holdings in US Treasury bonds are being considered as a potential bargaining chip in ongoing trade negotiations. This statement, as reported by The Associated Press, suggests that Japan is prepared to use its significant financial influence to impact the talks. The use of such a large sum as leverage underscores the intense nature of the discussions and the willingness of Japan to explore all options to protect its economic interests. With the global economy being increasingly interconnected, moves like these can have far-reaching implications for international trade and financial markets, including foreign exchange and bond markets. As trade tensions continue to escalate, the world watches with bated breath to see how these negotiations will unfold and the potential impact on the US economy and global trade policies. Key issues such as trade deficits, tariffs, and economic sanctions are at the forefront of these discussions.