South Korea-Japan mull $6T economic bloc amid fraying global trade order

Business leaders and analysts suggest South Korea and Japan could pursue deeper trade integration, forming a potential $6 trillion economic bloc, as global trade fragmentation and supply-chain disruptions from Middle East and Ukraine conflicts push the two neighbors closer. Historical wounds remain a barrier, but the shift away from open global trade may incentivize partnership. The proposal is at an exploratory stage, with no formal agreement announced.