US-Japan $550 Bn Investment: Nuclear Power & Copper Projects Eyed 📈

• Energy & Infrastructure: Japan and the US are negotiating to include a massive nuclear power project in the second round of a $550 billion investment package. The deal involves Westinghouse (owned by Cameco and Brookfield) and aims to strengthen energy supply chains amid Middle East tensions. • Investment Scale: Westinghouse is exploring pressurized water and small modular reactors totaling up to US$ 100 Bn. This follows a previous US$ 80 Bn US government partnership with the firm to meet rising energy demand from AI data centers. • Industrial Expansion: A US$ 2 Bn copper smelting and refining facility by Falcon Copper is also under consideration. This project seeks involvement from Japanese suppliers and off-takers, highlighting a push for mineral supply chain security. • Strategic Context: Tokyo is accelerating deals to fulfill investment commitments under a US tariff agreement. To date, three projects valued at US$ 36 Bn (including an Ohio natural gas plant) have been announced. • Key Players: Potential involvement includes Japanese giants Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba, and IHI. Official announcements are expected during Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to Washington on March 19. _Summary based on provisional reports and ongoing bilateral negotiations._