Japan’s trading houses sound alarm: US midterms bring uncertainty

Japan’s top trading house executives warned that the US midterm elections have created uncertainty for global business, saying the results make it harder to predict American policy on trade and investment. The heads of the country’s major trading companies, known as sogo shosha — large firms that buy, sell and invest across energy, metals, food and other sectors — said they are watching Washington closely before making decisions on US projects. They said the divided political outcome could slow decisions on trade rules and spending, and they urged companies to prepare for sudden shifts in policy. The executives added that demand in the US remains solid for now, but cautioned that politics could weigh on confidence in the months ahead.