Japan's state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation or JBIC saw U.S. approvals surge over fivefold to 1.31 trillion yen in fiscal 2025, now at 52% of its portfolio, up from 18% a year ago, Nikkei reported on Thursday.
The shift from emerging markets reflects Tokyo's push to fortify supply chains amid U.S.-China friction, highlighted by a $3.7 billion loan for Nippon Steel's (TYO:5401) acquisition of U.S. Steel, the news daily said.
Other deals back energy and materials procurement, including Mitsubishi Corp.'s (TYO:8058) purchase of a U.S. gas developer and a Mitsui (TYO:8031)-JERA low-carbon ammonia venture, the publication said.
JBIC is also financing Japan's $550 billion U.S. investment pledge, having already funded 350 billion yen in first-round projects like a gas power plant and oil port, with more rounds expected, the report said.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)