In its second quarter, Fast Retailing, the company that operates Uniqlo, announced a 33% increase in earnings. The company's operating profit for the three months through February was 146.7 billion yen ($999.9 million), a significant rise compared to the same period the previous year. Fast Retailing also raised its full-year operating profit forecast to 545 billion yen from 530 billion yen.

Uniqlo, which started as a single store in Hiroshima, Japan, has expanded to over 2,500 locations globally. The company offers affordable clothing mainly produced in Asian countries like China. However, the imposition and subsequent delay of import tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump have affected the company's plans for continued growth. Fast Retailing has been eyeing North America and Europe for expansion amid a slowing economy in China, which is its largest overseas market.

Despite facing challenges from trade tensions and tariffs, Fast Retailing's founder Tadashi Yanai, who is Japan's wealthiest individual, has maintained a commitment to free trade and has supported the company's business relationships with China despite criticism of human rights issues there.