Arlington Plans 2026 Japan-Texas Economic Summit Boosting Bilateral Trade

The Japan-Texas Economic Summit will return in Arlington from May 11-13, 2026, marking the event's revival after its inaugural conference in Houston in 2018. Hosted by the U.S.-Japan Council in partnership with the city of Arlington, Arlington Economic Development Corp., and ABeam Consulting, the summit aims to strengthen U.S.-Japan economic collaboration amid evolving trade dynamics and growing regional alignment on supply chain resilience and industrial policy. Arlington, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, will serve as the host city for three consecutive years, anchoring the summit in a region that drives over 75% of Texas's $2.7 trillion GDP. The summit will attract top leaders from government and business, including governors, mayors, and corporate executives, to discuss long-term growth strategies and deepen cross-border ties. Japan is a major economic partner for Texas, being the top source of foreign direct investment jobs in the state, with over 300 Japanese companies providing more than 75,000 jobs, and the upcoming summit is expected to build on this momentum. The event also reflects the broader context of a new U.S.-Japan bilateral trade agreement anticipated to significantly boost Japanese investment and trade flows, reinforcing Texas's pivotal role in U.S.-Japan relations.