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US tariffs: Asian shares plummet as China signals retaliation – live US tariffs: Asian shares plummet as China signals retaliation – live
(35 minutes later)
Masses of reaction from traders so let’s try to roundup some of their comments.
Masafumi Yamamoto, chief forex strategist at Mizuho Securities in Tokyo, sounded a slightly optimistic tone to Reuters by saying that US tariffs might not be quite as bad they appear. But then he essentially says it might get worse before it gets better:
In the longer run, protectionist policies touted by the United States could be watered down, in turn limiting the negative effect on trade and the global economy. But until the United States makes such concessions, global stocks will be under pressure and the yen will appreciate, especially if China decides to confront the U.S. measures.
Similarly, Vishnu Varathan of Mizuho Bank is quoted by Associated Press saying:
Beijing is extending an olive branch and urging the U.S. to resolve trade disputes through dialogue rather than tariffs. Nevertheless, the first volley of shots and retaliatory response has been set off.
Paul Eitelman, senior investment strategist at Russell Investments, tells Bloomberg:
It’s a significant step in escalation in trade tensions between the US and China. The biggest watchpoint from here is how China responds to this and any potential escalation that creates going forward.
The Australian benchmark index, the ASX200, has closed down almost 2%. The big miners, such as BHP Biliton and Rio Tinto, were among the biggest losers amid concern that demand for the counmtry’s biggest export – iron ore– will be hurt by the tariffs.The Australian benchmark index, the ASX200, has closed down almost 2%. The big miners, such as BHP Biliton and Rio Tinto, were among the biggest losers amid concern that demand for the counmtry’s biggest export – iron ore– will be hurt by the tariffs.
Australia's #ASX200 ends off session lows, but only just... down close to 2% on concerns about a global trade war #ausbiz #stocks #selloff #markets pic.twitter.com/BMVzAX0GbXAustralia's #ASX200 ends off session lows, but only just... down close to 2% on concerns about a global trade war #ausbiz #stocks #selloff #markets pic.twitter.com/BMVzAX0GbX
Elsewhere it’s an even grimmer picture. In Tokyo the Nikkei is off a whopping 4.58%. The yen has risen as invesors seek a safe haven, but that’s bad news for Japan’s exporters, hence the big drop in equities.Elsewhere it’s an even grimmer picture. In Tokyo the Nikkei is off a whopping 4.58%. The yen has risen as invesors seek a safe haven, but that’s bad news for Japan’s exporters, hence the big drop in equities.
BOOM! #Nikkei down 4.5% as trade tensions rise quickly. #China #Trump #Tariffs pic.twitter.com/O09r0z58psBOOM! #Nikkei down 4.5% as trade tensions rise quickly. #China #Trump #Tariffs pic.twitter.com/O09r0z58ps
Australia fears it could be hit by steel tariffs after it emerged that an exemption promised by Donald Trump would run on 1 May.Australia fears it could be hit by steel tariffs after it emerged that an exemption promised by Donald Trump would run on 1 May.
The White House said Friday that Australia, Europe, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil would initially escape America’s 25% steel and 10% aluminium tariffs. But that would run out in a matter of weeks “pending discussions of satisfactory long-term alternative means to address the threatened impairment to US national security”.The White House said Friday that Australia, Europe, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil would initially escape America’s 25% steel and 10% aluminium tariffs. But that would run out in a matter of weeks “pending discussions of satisfactory long-term alternative means to address the threatened impairment to US national security”.
The country’s trade minister, Steve Ciobo, said Australia could not have a fairer deal with the US but it may find itself in the same boat as China.The country’s trade minister, Steve Ciobo, said Australia could not have a fairer deal with the US but it may find itself in the same boat as China.
Here’s the full story:Here’s the full story:
And find out more about the EU’s reprieve – temporary or otherwise – with this story from our man in Brussels, Daniel Boffey:And find out more about the EU’s reprieve – temporary or otherwise – with this story from our man in Brussels, Daniel Boffey:
Good afternoon/good morning and welcome to our business live blog on a tumultuous day for the world economy.Good afternoon/good morning and welcome to our business live blog on a tumultuous day for the world economy.
China has wasted no time in signalling that it will retaliate against Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium imports. Beijing’s swift response was expected and, although Asian stock markets have been battered in the wake of Trump’s move, it left some room for negotiation with a plea for the US to “pull back from the brink”.China has wasted no time in signalling that it will retaliate against Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium imports. Beijing’s swift response was expected and, although Asian stock markets have been battered in the wake of Trump’s move, it left some room for negotiation with a plea for the US to “pull back from the brink”.
Here are the main developments so far:Here are the main developments so far:
China will impose duties on US pork, apples and steel pipe among other things unless a settlement could be reachedChina will impose duties on US pork, apples and steel pipe among other things unless a settlement could be reached
Beijing’s commerce ministry said it didn’t want a trade war but was “not afraid of having one” if the US didn’t back downBeijing’s commerce ministry said it didn’t want a trade war but was “not afraid of having one” if the US didn’t back down
Asian shares fell sharply along with key commodities such as iron oreAsian shares fell sharply along with key commodities such as iron ore
The Nikkei is down 4.4%; Hang Seng -2.8%; ASX200 in Sydney -2%; Kospi in Seoul 2.2%; CSI in Shanghai 3.2%.The Nikkei is down 4.4%; Hang Seng -2.8%; ASX200 in Sydney -2%; Kospi in Seoul 2.2%; CSI in Shanghai 3.2%.
The FTSE100 looks set to drop nearly 1% this morning, according to futures trade, while Germany’s Dax is set to drop 1.6%.The FTSE100 looks set to drop nearly 1% this morning, according to futures trade, while Germany’s Dax is set to drop 1.6%.
The Dalian iron ore price is down 5% on fears of a drop in demand for steelThe Dalian iron ore price is down 5% on fears of a drop in demand for steel
Copper fell to a three-month low of $6,628.00 per tonne, but oil rose 1% on the back of more Saudi production cutsCopper fell to a three-month low of $6,628.00 per tonne, but oil rose 1% on the back of more Saudi production cuts
The yen and bond prices rose as the US dollar fell backThe yen and bond prices rose as the US dollar fell back
The pound was up slightly at $1.416 and €1.444.The pound was up slightly at $1.416 and €1.444.