NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2025 – On July 16 American Express (NYSE: AXP) will open a new Centurion Lounge at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND), the busiest airport in Japan and one of the busiest airports in the world. The Centurion Lounge at HND marks the 30^th to open worldwide and the 4th to open in Asia, joining lounges at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, Hong Kong international Airport (HKG) in Hong Kong, and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. The new lounge in Tokyo features locally sourced decor and artwork that celebrates Japanese philosophy, craftsmanship, and artistry, a live, open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs cook, a buffet offering a variety of Japanese and Western food and beverages, a dedicated sweets bar nodding to Japan’s snack culture, and private phone rooms that are also equipped with a curated audio program for meditation. Located in Haneda’s Terminal 3 near Gate 114, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the airfield while they rest and refuel before their flights.

“The Centurion Lounge at Haneda Airport celebrates Japanese culture, featuring custom artwork, an exciting menu that showcases the flavors of Tokyo, and my personal favorite – private meditation booths to help you recharge and find some calm before your flight,” said Audrey Hendley, President, American Express Travel. “We’ve seen incredible demand for travel to Japan, it is one of the destinations where we’ve seen the highest growth recently. We look forward to showcasing the impeccable service Centurion Lounges are known for in a destination we know is so important to our Card Members.”

“Long awaited by our eligible Card Members, we are thrilled to open Japan’s first Centurion Lounge at Haneda Airport,” said Yasuhiro Sudo, Senior Vice President, Japan Country Manager at American Express. “We look forward to providing a best-in-class experience with high-quality meals, a wonderful atmosphere, and local charm to eligible Japanese Card Members and eligible Card Members from all over the world. We are committed to delivering the exceptional customer experience American Express proudly offers and is known for.”

Select Dishes by Chef Satoshi Ogino, Plus Specialty Drinks and Sweets Bar

Acclaimed Chef Satoshi Ogino is known for his mastery of classic Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on seasonality and has helmed the kitchens of several Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, including his own Akasaka Ogino. In addition to a special lounge menu by Chef Ogino showcasing local flavors in his signature style, the kitchen will also offer Japanese favorites including sushi and ramen, and a buffet will serve both local and global cuisine. A full bar will offer a premium menu of wine, locally inspired cocktails, and a selection of Japanese beers, sake, and shochu¹, while a dedicated sweets bar will feature a selection of teas and traditional Japanese Wagashi sweets, plus a rotating menu of additional treats.

Art and Design Inspired by Local Craftsmanship and “Japan Blue”

Designed by OnBrand, American Express’ in-house creative agency, the lounge is inspired by the philosophy, craftmanship, and artistry of Japanese culture and “Japan Blue.” Produced by the Japanese dyeing technique of Aizome, “Japan Blue” is a deep indigo hue that represents tranquility and stability and is ubiquitous in Japanese art, architecture and fashion. The color is woven throughout the lounge and complemented by natural materials and textures, including slatted wood, stone, and subtle walnut and black ash accents. The bar features elegant Uroko ceramic tiles and a dramatic ceiling canopy, while an Edo-Kiriko-inspired custom chandelier hangs in the main seating area and locally inspired textiles and wall coverings can be found throughout the space.

The lounge features commissioned artwork from several local artists, including a custom American Express-inspired mural by Shu Kuroki, and Saki Matsumoto’s textile reimagining of the American Express bulldog, Sir Charles Frosty Blue, as Komainu – a guardian of Japanese shrines symbolizing trust and protection. The artwork also includes ceramics by Ryuji Iwasaki, ink paintings by Ryohei Sasaki, and a traditional Japanese Wajima Nuri lacquerware installation by Miho Yokoyama. The pieces for the installation were sourced from Ishikawa — home of the Wajima Nuri lacquerware tradition — to support recovery efforts following the 2024 earthquake that devastated the Noto Peninsula.

At nearly 7,500 square feet, The Centurion Lounge at HND will feature luxury amenities and several areas for travelers to work, relax and recharge before boarding their flights, including:

• Private phone rooms with curated audio programing for meditation: Private booths that can be used for phone calls or meditation provide functionality and tranquility with acoustical fabric panels, traditional Japanese artwork, and a curated audio program of calming water, forest, bird, and wind sounds.
• Comfortable seating areas for all types of travelers: Guests will have a wide range of seating options to choose from including armchairs, high tops and dining banquettes, cozy couches, and a private room with seating to accommodate families and small groups, complete with a television.
• Centurion VIP Room: Centurion Members have access to a VIP area featuring elevated-yet-comfortable furnishings and finishes, including Kumiko style woodwork, a private beverage station, and a curated display of Japanese artwork and photography that captures scenes from the country’s lively festival culture.
• Signature Centurion Lounge amenities for all types of travelers: Guests will also find signature Centurion Lounge amenities, including dedicated workstations and phone booths, premium shower suites and restrooms, abundant outlets and USB ports, access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and more.

Meeting More Card Members in More Places

With more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer², the American Express Global Lounge Collection™ is just one of the many ways American Express supports Card Members while they travel. Eligible Card Members have access to more than 1,550 lounges worldwide, including 30 Centurion Lounges.

American Express continues to expand and enhance the Centurion Lounge Network with plans announced to open new lounge locations at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City in 2025 and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in Amsterdam in 2026.

Hashtag: #Amex

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS

American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, and service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. With a hundred million merchant locations on our global network in around 200 countries and territories, we seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations.

For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.com, americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/, and ir.americanexpress.com.

ABOUT THE CENTURION LOUNGE

The Centurion Lounge is the signature lounge program within the broader American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, Delta Sky Club® for Card Members flying on Delta, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges upon enrollment, Plaza Premium Lounges, select Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, and Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges–a total of more than 1,550 lounges across 140 countries and counting. Eligible Card Members can find a lounge at the Global Lounge Collection website, https://americanexpress.com/findalounge, or by using the American Express® App. They can also begin their check-in process for select Centurion Lounges through the mobile check-in tool within the American Express® App.

ABOUT JAPAN AIRPORT TERMINAL CO., LTD.

HANEDA AIRPORT OPERATING COMPANY

Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. was established in 1953 as a passenger terminal operator funded exclusively by private capital dedicated to the construction, management, and operation of airport terminal buildings, and under the founding philosophy of achieving harmony between business and society. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company has operated Haneda Airport’s passenger terminal since it opened in 1955, consistently striving to enhance convenience, comfort, and functionality for all travelers. The company’s business includes a wide range of airport-related operations, such as terminal facility management, retail and duty-free store operations, food and beverage services, and passenger support. Through these efforts, the company contributes to the growth and development of airport infrastructure both in Japan and internationally. For more information, please visit: https://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/en/

[1] Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
[2] Based on comparison with other U.S. credit card programs, as of 10/2024.

HONG KONG SAR / SHANGHAI & BEIJING, CHINA / TAIPEI, TAIWAN / SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA / TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2025 – In a context of unprecedented geopolitical and trade uncertainty, the global economy is navigating between an expected slowdown and escalation risks. Trump’s tariff decisions and tensions in the Middle East are reshaping an unpredictable economic landscape for 2025-2026.

In this environment, and in view of the measures already in place, Coface has downgraded 23 sectors and 4 countries.

Key trends:

• US tariffs, even if paused or reduced, have already reached historically high levels
• Nearly 80% of advanced economies recorded an increase in defaults in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024
• The metal sector is the most affected, and traditional industrial sectors (automotive and chemicals) are under pressure.
• Other sectors that have been downgraded include:
  • In the United States, information and communication technologies and retail
  • In China, textiles and clothing, impacted by customs duties.

Global economy: uncertainty is the new normal

The global economic outlook is more uncertain than ever, as it depends heavily on (geo)political events and the trade decisions of the US President. The reintroduction of tariffs after the 90-day suspension periods (9 July for the rest of the world, 12 August for China) could have a significant impact on global growth. A marked slowdown is expected (2.2% growth in 2025 and 2.3% in 2026), with mainly downside risks – growth of below 2% cannot be ruled out if the geopolitical and trade situations escalate.

The same uncertainty naturally surrounds inflation, whose current stability could be jeopardised. It could reach 4% in the US by the end of 2025, with broader upside risks subsisting in the event of higher energy prices. The major central banks are likely to respond with a continued cautious stance. However, if US inflation is brought under control, the Fed could cut rates as early as the autumn of 2025. The ECB has announced that it will maintain its rate-cutting policy, but added that it is close to its terminal rate.

Uncertainty is all the greater in Europe as long-delayed fiscal consolidation policies could finally begin to be implemented, while Germany is engaged in a stimulus programme whose scale is difficult to assess at this stage.

Tensions in the Middle East and oversupply: oil balances on a high wire

The Israel-Iran conflict has reigniting fears over oil. A disruption or even a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz (the passage for 20 million barrels per day, or 20% of global supply) could push prices above $100 per barrel. Excluding this geopolitical environment, however, fundamentals point to a fall in prices on back of production increases in non-OPEC+ countries, demand weakened by trade tensions and the reintroduction of volumes by OPEC+ members (2.2 million barrels per day). Barring a major crisis, prices should continue to be extremely volatile but remain within a range of $65 to $75 per barrel.

Advanced economies: a mix of resilience and vulnerability

Emerging economies are the first victims of trade turmoil

In China, the temporary truce on tariffs has led to a surge in exports, but the outlook is fragile. India, despite generating growth of more than 7% in the first quarter, is seeing consumption slow and its fiscal headroom shrink.

In Latin America, Mexico is bearing the brunt of trade uncertainty, with zero growth expected in 2025. Brazil, after a rebound in agriculture following El Niño-induced losses, is expected to contract on back of restrictive monetary policy (key rate raised to 15%). In Argentina, the momentum generated by Mileinomics is strong and, despite its low foreign exchange reserves, could post GDP growth of 5% in 2025 and 3.5% in 2026.

Metallurgy: 600 million tonnes of steel overcapacity weighing on the global sector

The metallurgy sector is experiencing a major crisis, having recorded global steel overcapacity of 600 million tonnes in 2024, which represents 25% of global production. The unfavourable macroeconomic environment, energy tensions and new steel tariffs are exacerbating the situation for steelmakers, particularly in Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Canada: the economy is faltering under the weight of tariffs

With 75% of its exports headed for the US, Canada is one of the countries most exposed to the trade war. Growth has slowed significantly after a surge at the end of 2024. Consumption is falling, investment is weakening and unemployment stands at 6.9%, its highest level since 2017.

Exports, boosted by the menace of customs duties, contracted sharply in April. The automotive and metals sectors, which were hit by tariff increases of up to 50%, have been particularly affected. The upcoming revision of the USMCA agreement, which is expected to be brought forward to the end of 2025, could further exacerbate the country’s economic instability.

Read the full study here

Hashtag: #Coface

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

COFACE: FOR TRADE

As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for almost 80 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.

Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets. with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring. Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets. In 2024, Coface employed +5,200 people and recorded a turnover of ~€1.845 billion.