How Trump Got a $900 Billion Promise From Japan and South Korea

Donald Trump’s renewed trade offensive has come at a steep cost for Japan and South Korea. With little room to maneuver, both countries have been pressured by Washington to commit to investing hundreds of billions of dollars in the US in exchange for lower tariffs. The demands follow years of Japan and South Korea ranking among the top economies with the largest trade surpluses with the US.

The commitments helped seal trade deals for both Asian nations back in July, but the complexity of the investment pledges has led to months of wrangling over the size, scope and structure ...