ForexLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap: Trump reciprocal tariff announcement hits

Trump announced his latest trade policy, introducing a series of tariffs aimed at addressing trade imbalances and protecting domestic industries. ​

Key components of the announcement include:

  • Baseline Tariff: A universal 10% tariff will be imposed on all imported goods, effective April 5, 2025. ​
  • Reciprocal Tariffs: Higher tariffs targeting specific countries (around 60 countries) perceived to have significant trade barriers against U.S. products will be implemented starting April 9, 2025.

Notable rates include:​

  • China: 34%, increasing the total tariff to 54% when combined with existing duties.​
  • European Union: 20%.​
  • Japan: 24%.​
  • Vietnam: 46%.​
  • India: 26%. ​

More:

  • Auto Imports: A 25% tariff will be applied to all imported automobiles, aiming to bolster the U.S. automotive industry. ​
  • De Minimis Rule Adjustment: The exemption for low-value packages (under $800) from China and Hong Kong will be eliminated, targeting e-commerce shipments that previously avoided tariffs. ​

The tariffs are set to take effect in early April, with the baseline tariffs commencing on April 5 and the reciprocal tariffs on April 9. ​

The abrupt tariff hikes have heightened market volatility, with investors expressing concerns about potential inflationary pressures and a slowdown in global economic growth. Analysts warn that prolonged trade tensions could lead to sustained market instability and dampened investor confidence.

Most major FX was slammed lower in the wake of Trump’s announcement of massive increases in tariffs. The moves have been pretty much retraced, FX recovering. EUR has done more than recover, its up above 1.09 as I update.

  • USD/JPY, though, lost ground from above 150.25 (early highs) to below 148.00 and that has continued. USD/JPY has hit lows circa 147.30 as the flight into yen carried through.

US equity index futures were slammed lower upon the evening reopen for Globex. They’ve since retraced. Asian equities:

  • Japan: The Nikkei 225 tumbled 3%, reaching an eight-month low, as investors reacted to the U.S.’s 24% tariff on Japanese goods. ​
  • South Korea: The Kospi index declined by 1.5%, reflecting concerns over a 25% U.S. tariff on South Korean exports. ​
  • Hong Kong: The Hang Seng Index fell 1.4%, with tech and manufacturing sectors hit hardest due to increased tariffs on Chinese goods

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Yen rocketed:

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.