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Consequences of Trump's Tariffs on Global Markets

Apr 8, 2025

Global Stock Market Crisis

Overview

  • President Donald Trump's tariffs on global trade partners have triggered a massive sell-off in global stock markets.
  • Markets across the world are crashing, with major indices experiencing steep declines.

Impact on Global Markets

India

  • Sensex dropped over 2,200 points.
  • Nifty fell over 3%, going below the 22,200 mark.
  • Investors lost over 13 lakh crore rupees (~$150 billion) in one day.
  • Every sector was significantly impacted.

Asia

  • Tokyo's Nikkei dropped over 8%.
  • Taiwan's TAIEX fell nearly 10%.
  • Circuit breakers were activated in Japan and Taiwan to prevent panic selling.
  • Hong Kong's Hang Seng saw its steepest decline since 1997, dropping 13%.

China's Response

  • China's sovereign wealth fund intervened by purchasing shares to stabilize the market.

Trump's Tariffs

  • Trump's tariffs target both allies and adversaries, with Asia being most affected due to its manufacturing and export reliance on the US.
  • Tariff rates include:
    • Japan & South Korea: 26%
    • India: 26%
    • Thailand: 36%
    • Vietnam: 46%
    • Cambodia: 49%
    • China: 54%

Economic Predictions

  • US investors and top banks like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan predict an increased likelihood of a recession.
    • Goldman Sachs: 45% chance of recession.
    • JP Morgan: 60% chance of recession.

Investor Concerns

  • Bill Ackman, a hedge fund manager, suggests a 90-day pause on tariffs to renegotiate trade deals.
  • Jamie Dimon, JP Morgan Chairman, warns that tariffs could increase prices for Americans.

Trump's Position

  • Trump and his administration view tariffs as a necessary "medicine" for long-term economic prosperity.
  • They dismiss recession concerns.

Market Reactions

  • US stocks have lost over $6 trillion in market value since Trump's tariff announcements.
  • European markets mirrored Asian losses with significant declines in Germany, France, and the UK.

Conclusion

  • The market's need for stability is unmet due to ongoing tariff uncertainties.
  • There is fear that if current policies continue, the worst economic impacts are yet to come.