Asian markets declined on Thursday, with the exception of China, after the US president Donald Trump announced the imposition of 25% customs duties on imported cars.
Trump explained that this measure is aimed at strengthening manufacturing in the United States. However, its repercussions will be complex, as American automakers and foreign factories located in the United States rely heavily on imported auto components, according to the agency. Associated Press.
The Japanese index Nikkei 225 fell from 1%, reaching 37 662,36 points, with a sharp drop in shares of Japanese carmakers. Toyota Motor has moved back from 3,2%, Honda Motor de 2,8%, and Nissan lost 2,6% of its value. Mazda Motor has experienced a marked decline in 6,5%, While Subaru fell back about 6% et Mitsubishi Motors de 4%.
Faced with this situation, the Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba tried to persuade Trump to exempt Japan from these high taxes, telling reporters: "We strongly request that these measures not be applied to Japan." Asked about the options available, he replied: "All possibilities are naturally being studied."
For its part, Evan Espinoza, who will take up his duties as CEO of Nissan Motor On April 1, the company said it is considering several scenarios to address these new conditions, noting that Trump's decisions remain unclear.
En South Korea, the index Kospi fell from 1%, reaching 2 616,95 points, with a direct impact on Korean car manufacturers. Hyundai Motor lost 4,3%, While Kia has moved back from 3,9%.
More stable Chinese markets
In the Greater China, the markets showed more stability. The index Hang Seng de Lithuania, Vilnius progressed from 1% to reach 23 711,97 points, while the index Shanghai composite recorded a slight gain of 0,3% à 3 379,19 pointsThis resilience is explained by the fact that Chinese car manufacturers continue their global expansion, except in the United States, thus reducing the direct impact of customs tariffs.
On the other hand, the index Taiex Taiwanese has retreated from 1,5%, and the index S & P / ASX 200 Australian lost 0,6%, closing at 7 951,50 points.
Impact of tariffs on US markets
Wall Street recorded a sharp decline. The index S & P 500 fell by 1,1%, reaching 5 712,20 points, ending a period of stability. The Dow Jones lost its morning gains of 230 points to finally fall by 132 point (0,3%) and close at 42 454,79 points.
The index Nasdaq Composite suffered a sharp drop in 2%, reaching 17 889,01 points, marking its biggest drop of the year. This drop was fueled by weakness in big tech companies.
"Seven Greats" – technology giants that have dominated the market in recent years thanks to the rise ofartificial intelligence – were at the heart of this wave of massive sales, resulting in a correction of the S & P 500, who lost more than 10 % compared to its 2023 peak.
US auto sector under pressure
Shares of US automakers also suffered after the announcement of the new tariffs:
Despite these tensions, theamerican economy and the job market remain strong, although businesses and consumers are becoming more cautious. The latest economic data revealed a unexpected growth orders for industrial equipment, while economists had anticipated a slowdown. However, some indicators suggest a decline in investment, as companies prefer wait for the real impact of customs tariffs before making major decisions.
