With the new coronavirus pandemic hindering the progress of talks over what would be the world's biggest free trade pact, Japan may be forced to give up on its plans of reaching an agreement this year.
Tokyo is likely to place a top priority on shoring up the nation's virus-hit economy for an extended period, which would make it more difficult for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to promote free trade agreements including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Expanding free trade is certain to undermine the profits of some sectors in the nation, including agriculture, as the elimination and reduction of tariffs would result in an influx of cheap products from overseas.