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Why are stock markets falling today, are Trump's tariffs to blame?

Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China has so far sent global financial markets reeling and has pushed North America ever closer to a trade war.

Published on: Mar 04, 2025 12:20 PM IST
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US President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, which take effect from Tuesday, March 4, 2025, has sent global financial markets falling.

US President Donald Trump has said that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will definitely take effect on Tuesday. (Bloomberg)
US President Donald Trump has said that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will definitely take effect on Tuesday. (Bloomberg)

The Indian stock market in particular, tumbled upon opening on Tuesday, with the benchmark BSE Sensex dropping by 341.82 points or 0.47 per cent, reaching 72,744.12 and the broader NSE Nifty opening 132.80 points down or 0.6 per cent in the red, reaching 21,986.50.

The Indian stock market on Tuesday saw a record 10th straight day of decline amid continuous selling by overseas investors.

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How did global stock markets perform?

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 649.67 points, or 1.48 per cent, the S&P 500 lost 104.78 points, or 1.76 per cent, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 497.09 points, or 2.64 per cent.

Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng saw the biggest drop, tumbling over two per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively.

US Automaker shares meanwhile, fell sharply. Prominent examples include General Motors, which has significant truck production in Mexico, falling 4 per cent and Ford dropping 1.7 per cent.

"The automobile sector, in particular, is likely to see considerable negative consequences, not only because of the disruption of the supply chains that crisscross the three countries in the manufacturing process, but also because of the expected increase in the price of vehicles, which can dampen demand," he said.

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The tariffs also pushed bond yields lower, with the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar both falling as well, following Trump's remarks on Monday.

For China, Trump reaffirmed he will increase tariffs to 20 per cent and remarked that there was "no room left" for a deal that would avert the tariffs which are aimed at curbing fentanyl flows into the US.

Meanwhile, Canada responded with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stating on Monday that there would be a 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on C$155 billion ($107 billion) worth of US goods, which will come into effect at the same time.

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Meanwhile, Mexico had avoided the first round of Trump's tariffs by striking a last-minute deal to send thousands of troops to its northern border.

It has now stepped up anti-drug efforts and hinted at new measures on imported Chinese goods.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

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