The ambitious pact, signed in Tokyo, runs counter to US President Donald Trump's moves to hike tariffs on imports from many trading partners. It covers a third of the global economy and markets of more than 600 million people.

"The EU and Japan showed an undeterred determination to lead the world as flag-bearers for free trade," Abe said at a joint news conference with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Tusk praised the deal as "the largest bilateral trade deal ever."

The leaders did not mention Trump by name, but they did little to mask what was on their minds - highlighting how Europe and Japan have been pushed closer by Trump's actions.

The agreement was largely reached late last year. The ceremonial signing was delayed from earlier this month because Abe cancelled going to Brussels over a disaster in southwestern Japan, caused by extremely heavy rainfall.

The measures won't kick in right away and still require legislative approval. But they will bring Japanese consumers lower prices for European wines, pork, handbags and pharmaceuticals.

Japanese machinery parts, tea and fish will become cheaper in Europe.

The deal eliminates about 99 per cent of the tariffs on Japanese goods sold to the EU. About 94 per cent of the tariffs on European exports to Japan will be lifted, rising to 99 per cent in the future.

The EU said the trade liberalisation will help raise European exports of chemicals, clothing, cosmetics and beer to Japan. Japanese will get cheaper cheeses, such as Parmesan, gouda and cheddar, as well as chocolate and biscuits.

Apart from its deal with the EU, Japan is working on other trade agreements, including a far-reaching trans-Pacific deal. The partnership includes Australia, Mexico, Vietnam and other nations, although the US has withdrawn.

Australian Associated Press