Asia Markets Dip Amid Tariff Jitters: Nikkei, ASX, Hang Seng Decline Ahead of Trump Deadline
Asian stock markets slipped on July 7, 2025, as investors reacted cautiously to potential U.S. tariffs. Nikkei 225, Hang Seng, ASX 200, and Nifty 50 opened lower amid uncertainty ahead of the July 9 trade deadline
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Asian equity markets dipped on Monday amid rising uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and softer oil prices following OPEC+’s unexpectedly large supply increase.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell approximately 0.5–0.6% as U.S. officials signaled further delay and uncertainty in tariff actions set for August 1, with formal notices expected by July 9.
South Korea’s KOSPI edged up ~0.3%, while China’s CSI 300 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined by about 0.5% and 0.2%, respectively .
Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.2%, reflecting global market jitters .
Oil prices slumped—Brent fell to $68.01/barrel and WTI to $65.28—after an OPEC+ decision to increase August output by 548,000 bpd, with a similar boost expected in September.
In FX markets, currencies weakened across Asia: the Indian rupee slipped ~0.4% to ₹85.72/USD, while the dollar gained strength against regional peers. BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 also fell ~0.1%, mirroring broader Asian equity losses.
Investors remain cautious amid the July 9 tariff notification deadline, positioning for volatility as markets track the path of U.S. trade policy.
- U.S. trade tension escalation rattles markets—tariff notices due by July 9, effective August 1.
- Nikkei leads losses; KOSPI bucks trend with slight gains.
- Oil slides on OPEC+ supply boost.
- Indian rupee weakens amid regional FX pressure and dollar strength.
- Markets await clarity on tariff inclusions and rate announcements from Australia and New Zealand.
