首批三个项目聚焦“数据中心、原油码头、合成钻石”，美日5500亿美元投资基金即将启动

Core Insights - The US and Japan are nearing the finalization of three initial projects under a $550 billion investment fund, which is a key component of the bilateral trade agreement reached last year [1] - The selected projects include a data center infrastructure project led by SoftBank, a deepwater oil terminal project in the Gulf of Mexico, and a synthetic diamond project for semiconductor manufacturing [2][5] - The investment fund aims to drive significant Japanese investments in critical US industries, thereby revitalizing the American industrial sector [5] Project Details - The three shortlisted projects focus on digital infrastructure, energy, and key materials for semiconductors, aligning with the investment framework established during Trump's visit to Japan [2] - The estimated costs for potential projects range from $350 million to $100 billion [3] Compliance Mechanism - The agreement stipulates that Japan must initiate funding within 45 working days after project confirmation; failure to do so may result in the US reclaiming certain benefits or reinstating higher tariffs [4] - The current tariff rate of 15% on Japanese imports could potentially be raised back to 25% if Japan does not fulfill its funding commitments [4] Context and Urgency - Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation progress of a similar agreement with South Korea, increasing the urgency for Japan to comply with its commitments [6]