Japan's benchmark indexes erased gains of the previous session after U.S. tariffs on Asian goods went into effect. Japanese executives are increasingly factoring in high trade barriers with the U.S. and are looking to other markets for future growth.
The U.S. tariffs of 104% went into effect this afternoon Hong Kong time, and Beijing political leaders prepare to impose stiff tariffs on U.S. services providers and leading tech companies.
China-controlled entities played a key role in limiting market decline in Monday's trading amid rising trade tensions with the U.S. The Hang Seng index registered its third worst one-day loss on April 7.
Japan market indexes plunged 8% after the U.S. imposed stiff tariffs on all imports and signaled additional import tax announcements in the weeks ahead. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average extended 2025 losses to 20%. Market indexes in Hong Kong collapsed 13%.
China imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, sparking fears of a recession and a deeper trade war. Benchmark indexes in Hong Kong plunged 12%, and the yuan weakened to a two-month low amid rising expectations of additional stimulus measures.
Japan's benchmark indexes extended weekly losses and plunged to an eight-month low after the U.S. announced steep tariffs on imports from Japan and all trading partners in a historic shift in its trading policy.
The U.S. announced a wide-ranging tariff on imports from all countries but targeted its key trading partners for its heaviest taxes. Japan's export-driven economy is likely to face a sharp slowdown amid rising trade tensions with the U.S. and weakening Japanese yen.
The U.S. ramped up its tariffs on all imports, and goods shipped from China attracted a cumulative 54% import tax as promised by the White House. Benchmark indexes dropped 2.5% in the holiday-shortened week and fell to the lowest level since February 20.
China stocks consolidated ahead of the start of the earnings season and news about the U.S. import tax. Investors remained cautious amid a worry of additional tariffs on Chinese goods starting as early next month.
Japan's business sentiment among large manufacturers dropped to a one-year low in the first quarter. Japan's jobless rate unexpectedly eased in February, and the labor market expanded for the 31st consecutive month.
China indexes extended monthly and quarterly gains after a private survey showed activities in the manufacturing sector expanded at the fastest pace in four months.
Japan's benchmark indexes plunged following losses on Wall Street amid looming U.S. tariffs. Retail sales advanced for the 35th month in a row, and industrial output rebounded in February.
China's manufacturing sector activities expanded for the second consecutive month, and the non-manufacturing activities rose for the third consecutive month in March. The finance ministry arranged the injection of capital in the four largest banks.
Japanese automakers are bracing for higher U.S. tariffs and competition from Chinese electric vehicle makers. The Nikkei index extended weekly losses amid corporate earnings growth worries.
