Tokyo Launches $36 B Investment in American Gas, Oil and Critical Minerals

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Washington : Japan has pledged up to $36 billion in planned investments for U.S. energy, petroleum and critical mineral infrastructure, marking the first tranche of a much larger commitment agreed under a bilateral trade deal with the United States. The initiative was announced by U.S. officials and highlighted by President Donald Trump on social media this week.

The investment package includes three flagship undertakings: a major natural gas-fired power plant in Ohio valued at roughly $33 billion, a deepwater crude oil export terminal in Texas, and a synthetic industrial diamond manufacturing facility in Georgia. These projects target expanded energy output, export capacity and supply chain resilience.

Officials said the Ohio facility operated by a subsidiary of a Japanese technology investor will produce about 9.2 gigawatts of electricity, potentially enough to power millions of homes. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described it as the largest natural gas generation project in U.S. history.

These investments are the initial phase of Japan’s broader $550 billion pledge to finance U.S. projects secured under a comprehensive trade and investment pact with Washington. In return, the U.S. agreed to reduce certain tariffs on Japanese imports, a key element of the bilateral negotiations.

U.S. officials say the projects will reinforce American energy and industrial capabilities, boost exports, and enhance critical mineral supply lines a priority for technological production and national security. Tokyo’s leaders have framed the initiative as mutually beneficial, designed to strengthen resilient supply chains.

The announcements come ahead of high-level meetings between Japanese and U.S. officials expected in the coming weeks, further cementing cooperation on trade, energy and economic security. Both governments have signalled continued coordination to finalise details and begin construction.
Photo Credit: White House.gov