Impact of Tariffs on U.S.-Japan Trade and Retail Performance
- February 28, 2025
- Posted by: Regent Harbor Team
- Category: Business
# Markets Toss and Turn as Trump Throws Down the Tariff Gauntlet
Tokyo Tower, Tokyo’s famous landmark, rises high above the skyscrapers in Azabu, Roppongi and Toranomon districts. A tilt-shift lens was used in order to obtain a miniature effect.
Krzysztof Baranowski | Moment | Getty Images
## It’s a Topsy-Turvy World in Stock Markets
Hey, here we go again! Asian markets are doing the cha-cha, moving up and down after President Trump decided tariffs on Mexico and Canada aren’t just newspaper talk. [Early Friday](https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/.AXJO/), Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dipped down by 0.86%. Meanwhile, across the Sea of Japan, the Nikkei 225 and Topix saw markdowns of 0.9% and 0.68%, respectively. South Korea’s Kospi and Kosdaq were also in the red, down by 1.54% and 1.69%. Hong Kong didn’t escape, with Hang Seng index futures taking a stumble near the close.
## Trump’s Tariff Tango
And if you were sipping your double espressos yesterday, you might’ve caught Trump declaring he’d slap a 25% tariff on imports from our Canadian amigos and south-of-the-border partners in Mexico. Trumplandia is up in arms, all because these countries haven’t cut the drug flow enough for his liking. More heat? China isn’t singing “Kumbaya” either, with an extra 10% added to the shade already thrown its way from the good ol’ U.S. of A. [Check out Trump’s announcement](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114076153524132682).
## Wall Street’s Woes
The scene wasn’t much better back home. The streets aren’t paved with profits these days. The S&P 500’s down by 1.59% ending at 5,861.57. Meanwhile, [the Nasdaq Composite](https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/.IXIC/) took a nosedive, falling by 2.78% to close at 18,544.42. Nvidia wasn’t its knight in shining armor, unfortunately slipping 8.5%. The Dow Jones did its best to grab some attention, losing 193.62 points and wrapping it up at 43,239.50.
## The Big Picture: Global Market Plays
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Index | Performance Change |
| ————————— | —————— |
| S&P/ASX 200 | -0.86% |
| Nikkei 225 | -0.9% |
| Topix | -0.68% |
| Kospi | -1.54% |
| Kosdaq | -1.69% |
| Hang Seng | Weaker position |
Trade kerfuffles are keeping everyone on their toes. It’s the age-old game: tariffs up and investors tighten their belts. Through all this market madness, stay savvy and keep those investment strategies sharp. Because in New York, we gotta keep the hustle going.
*—CNBC’s Hakyung Kim and Pia Singh contributed to this report.*
