Leaders of the European Union and Japan have launched an alliance aimed at boosting economic cooperation, defending free trade and countering unfair trade practices as the two sides face growing challenges from the United States and China.

Japan's exports to the US are to face a 15% baseline tariff and the EU is more confident a similar rate can be agreed before 1 August.

By Philip Blenkinsop and Trevor Hunnicutt BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The European Union and the U.S. are heading for a potential trade deal that includes a 15% U.S. baseline tariff on EU goods and possible exemptions,