Asia-Pacific stock markets traded mixed on Thursday as US President Donald Trump confirmed a new 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks, targeting foreign automakers.
The tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, sparked declines across regional indices as investors worried about escalating trade tensions and their impact on exports.
At 7:20 am CET, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.82%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.38% at the close of its trading session. South Korea's Kospi decreased by 1.45%.
Nevertheless, at 7:06 am CET, the Shenzhen Composite improved by 0.20% in mainland China. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Composite gained 0.24% at 7:21 am CET, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose by 0.85% at the same time.
In currency markets, the dollar was down 0.21% compared to the Japanese yen at 7:23 am CET, trading for ¥150.2530.
