Japan and the European Union signed one of the world’s biggest free trade deals on Tuesday in what they said was a “clear message” against protectionism. The deal scraps import tariffs on Japanese cars and European Union dairy products among others.

“There are rising concerns about protectionism, but I want Japan and the EU to lead the world by bearing the flag of free trade,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said after signing the deal in Tokyo.

The pact creates the world’s largest open economic area, covering nearly a third of the world’s economic output and 600 million people, BBC reported.

“We are sending a clear message that we stand against protectionism,” European Council President Donald Tusk said. “The EU and Japan remain open for cooperation.”

The deal removes the 10% tariff the European Union levies on importing Japanese cars and the 3% tariff on most car parts, Reuters reported. Japan will no more levy duties on European cheese and wines. Dairy goods are one of the biggest EU exports to Japan, while cars are one of Japan’s top exports.

“[The] impact of today’s agreement goes far beyond our shores,” European Union Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said. “Together we are making, by signing this agreement, a statement about the future of free and fair trade. We are showing that we are stronger and better off when we work together.”

Trade is about more than tariffs and barriers, Juncker said. “It is about values, principles and finding win-win solutions for all those concerned,” he added.

Comments by Japan and the EU against protectionism were an apparent reference to a tightening trade regime by the United States under President Donald Trump. Trump has imposed tariffs on Chinese products worth billions of dollars, prompting Beijing to retaliate with similar increases in duties on American goods.