Trump Tariffs Highlights: China’s economy grew 5.4% first quarter, beating analyst expectations. Retail sales rose 5.9% and industrial output jumped 7.7%, both ahead of forecasts. Meanwhile, March home prices declined at a slower pace, hinting at gradual stabilisation in the property market.
President Trump signed an executive order instructing the Commerce Department to launch a national security investigation into U.S. imports of critical minerals. The move, under a Section 232 investigation, aims to assess whether reliance on foreign processed critical minerals poses a threat to national security, potentially paving the way for new tariffs.
US stock indexes inched up at Tuesday’s open, as investors weighed potential tariff exemptions for the auto industry following President Donald Trump’s suggestion of further relief.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked up 3.0 points, or 0.01%, to 40,527.82. The S&P 500 gained 6.0 points, or 0.11%, to open at 5,411.99, while the Nasdaq Composite added 10.9 points, or 0.06%, to start the day at 16,842.39.
China has accused the US National Security Agency (NSA) of carrying out “advanced” cyberattacks during February’s Asian Winter Games, fueling fresh tensions in the ongoing tech and trade standoff. The allegation surfaces as Washington intensifies investigations into imports of semiconductors, chip-making equipment and pharmaceuticals.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible temporary exemption for the auto industry from existing levies, sparking optimism across global markets. Asian and European stocks rallied in response, as investors welcomed signs of potential relief amid escalating economic friction between the world’s two largest powers.
Earlier today, China directed its airlines to stop taking deliveries of Boeing Co. aircraft, intensifying the already strained trade relations with the United States. According to a Bloomberg report citing sources, the move is seen as a direct response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs of up to 145% on a range of Chinese goods. The order halting Boeing jet deliveries marks a significant blow to the American aerospace giant, for whom China is a major market.
Meanwhile, Trump had said that he will be providing an update soon as to how his administration will approach the semiconductor tariffs. Keep watching this space for more information on Trump tariffs.
Donald Trump Tariffs Live Updates: More announcements on Semiconductor tariffs today
China’s economy outpaced expectations in the latest quarter, with GDP expanding 5.4%, surpassing analyst forecasts. Key economic indicators also showed strength: retail sales rose 5.9%, while industrial output jumped 7.7%, both beating estimates.
In the property sector, home prices in March declined, but at a slower rate compared to the previous month .
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: China needs to make a trade deal with US, says Trump
President Trump issued a fresh statement on China, asserting that it’s up to Beijing to approach the U.S. for a trade agreement to ease the tariffs Washington has imposed.
“The ball is in China’s court,” Trump declared in a message read by press secretary Karoline Leavitt at a White House briefing. He added, “China needs a deal with us — we don’t need one with them. The only difference between China and other countries is their size.”
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Trump orders tariff probe on all US critical mineral imports
Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into potential new tariffs on all U.S. critical minerals imports, marking a significant escalation in his trade dispute with global partners and a direct challenge to industry leader China.
The move highlights long-standing concerns from manufacturers, industry experts, and policymakers that the U.S. remains heavily dependent on Beijing and other countries for processed critical minerals essential to its economy.
Trump signed the order at the White House, directing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to initiate a national security probe under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 — the same provision he previously used to impose 25% tariffs on global steel and aluminum imports, and earlier this year to launch a similar investigation into copper tariffs.
The order mandates a review of market dynamics for all critical minerals, including cobalt, nickel, and the 17 rare earth elements, with an eye on possible tariff actions. It also extends to uranium and any other elements deemed vital by U.S. federal authorities.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: How are things at Wall Street?
US stocks are rising Tuesday in a rare quiet day for financial markets, for now at least.
The S&P 500 was up 0.3% in afternoon trading, though it's been prone to huge swings not just day to day but also hour to hour. The day before, it went from a gain of 1.8% to a slight loss back to a gain as it struggled to keep up with shifts in President Donald Trump's trade war, which economists warn could cause a global recession unless it's scaled back.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 71 points, or less than 0.2%, as of 11:57 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.3% higher.
Perhaps more importantly, the US bond market was also showing more signs of calm after its sudden and sharp moves last week raised worries that investors worldwide may no longer see US government bonds as a no-brainer go-to when times are scary. (AP)
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: How will curbs on rare earth minerals hit US?
China’s latest move to tighten its grip on rare earth element (REE) exports has set off alarm bells in Washington, particularly across the defense and tech industries. Amid escalating trade tensions with the US, Beijing's decision is widely seen as a calculated counterstrike to former President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes on Chinese goods.
On April 4, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced new export controls on seven key rare earths — samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. These metals are critical ingredients in everything from advanced missile systems to electric vehicles and wind turbines. Under the new rules, Chinese exporters must now apply for special licenses, raising the specter of delays and global supply chain disruptions.
Industry analysts have dubbed the move a “warning shot” aimed directly at the heart of American military production. With China commanding a dominant share of rare earth processing, US officials are worried. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) cautions that if China were to implement a full export ban, the US currently lacks the capability to fill the gap.
Read More: Explained: Why China’s rare earth export curbs could hit US national security?
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: IEA revises its global oil demand forecast for the year amid trade tensions
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has revised down its global oil demand forecast for this year, citing mounting trade tensions and market volatility as key reasons for the slowdown.
In its latest monthly report, the IEA said that while US imports of oil, gas and refined products have been spared from President Trump’s tariffs, broader trade measures have rattled financial markets and dragged crude prices to four-year lows.
“After a period of relative calm, global oil markets were roiled by a barrage of trade tariff announcements in early April,” the agency noted.
With tense trade talks expected to continue through the current 90-day reprieve, the IEA warned that oil markets face significant uncertainty.
The agency slashed its forecast for oil demand growth by 3,00,000 barrels per day (bpd), cutting the projection from just over one million bpd in March to 7,30,000 bpd.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: President Trump praises NVIDIA
President Donald Trump took to social media on Monday to praise Nvidia’s announcement that it will build its artificial intelligence supercomputers entirely in the United States, calling the decision “very big” and “exciting”.
The tech giant revealed plans to invest $500 billion over the next four years to develop AI infrastructure in Texas.
Trump added that all required permits for Nvidia would be fast-tracked, saying, “All necessary permits will be expedited and quickly delivered to NVIDIA, as they will to all companies committing to be part of the Golden Age of America!”
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Wall Street hovers near flatline
US stocks hovered near the flatline on Tuesday, following two consecutive gains for the S&P 500, as investors sifted through a fresh round of first-quarter earnings reports.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up by 18 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both posted modest gains of 0.2%.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Obama backs Harvard University's response to Trump administration
Former US President Barack Obama urged other higher education institutions to follow Harvard University’s example and stand firm against government suppression.
In a social media post, Obama said the university had set an example for other higher-educations institutions by “rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect”.
Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and… https://t.co/gAu9UUqgjF
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 15, 2025
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Japan to launch formal US tariff talks on April 16
Japan will begin formal negotiations with the United States on April 16, aiming to reverse both Trump-era and proposed reciprocal tariffs, top trade official Ryosei Akazawa announced. Highlighting the urgency of the talks, Akazawa pointed to the economic strain on Japanese companies caused by steep tariffs, including a 25% duty on automobiles, steel and aluminium.
Japan is among the first nations to enter talks following former US President Donald Trump's recent decision to pause a new round of tariff hikes. Akazawa stated that Japan’s preference for resolving trade issues through economic cooperation, not punitive measures and underscored Japan’s position as the largest foreign investor in the United States.
Discussions on currency matters will be handled separately by financial authorities, he added.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: India-US sign terms of reference for BTA
India and the United States have signed the terms of reference for the initial phase of a bilateral trade agreement, an Indian trade official announced on Tuesday.
The two countries had agreed in February to begin work on the first stage of the deal, aiming to finalise it by the end of the year as part of a broader goal to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
The two sides had initially agreed in February to work toward a phased trade deal, aiming to conclude the first stage by the end of 2025. Their broader goal is to scale bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Virtual discussions are set to begin this month, with the next in-person round scheduled for mid-May, said Rajesh Agrawal, an additional secretary in the trade ministry.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: US tariffs have shattered trust worldwide, says French PM
The storm caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs has shuttered trust around the world, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said on Tuesday, warning that France faced a moment of truth in terms of fixing its public finances.
"The fact that this power has gone over to the side of the aggressors is a dramatic turn of events, a warning shot that ruins our fundamental vision of the world," Bayrou said.
He added that in his view Trump had created "a tsunami of destabilisation."
Bayrou made the comments at a news conference to discuss France's 2026 budget plans. (Reuters)
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: European and Asian stocks surge
European and Asian stocks climbed on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump hinted at potential changes to tariffs on autos. Meanwhile, US Treasury yields stabilised, recovering from the previous week’s dramatic selloff.
On Monday, Trump said he was considering revising the 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts from countries like Mexico and Canada. This came shortly after his Friday decision to exclude smartphones, computers and other electronics from the broader tariff package.
“Markets have been eager for any hint of optimism,” Dan Boardman-Weston, CEO and CIO at BRI Wealth Management, told Reuters. “The weekend announcement regarding electronics and phones provided a lift to sentiment, which has supported the recent market rally.”
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: China halts Boeing deliveries amid escalating US trade tensions
China has instructed its airlines to halt further deliveries of Boeing Co. aircraft, escalating tensions in the ongoing trade war with the United States. The move comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: South Korea says will try to delay US reciprocal tariffs
South Korea's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said on Tuesday that Seoul will try to delay reciprocal tariffs as much as possible by negotiations with the United States.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: India’s auto stocks zoom 3% as Trump hints at tariff relief for imports
India’s auto shares rallied over 3% on Tuesday, marking their best session since early January, after Trump signalled possible exemptions on auto-related import tariffs. Trump hinted at easing the 25% tariff on foreign autos and parts, lifting market sentiment.
Auto parts makers led the surge, with Samvardhana Motherson jumping 7.7%, and Bharat Forge and Sona BLW gaining over 6% and 7%, respectively. Tata Motors climbed 5%, buoyed by hopes for its U.S.-dependent Jaguar Land Rover unit. The 15-member auto index, which had slumped nearly 11% since March 26, trimmed its losses to just 2.5%.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Gold firms near record high on fears of new US tariffs
Gold edged higher on Tuesday as uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariff policies and their potential impact on the global economy kept investors cautious. Spot gold rose 0.4% to $3,221.70 an ounce by 0245 GMT, after hitting a record $3,245.42 the previous day. US gold futures similarly gained 0.4%, reaching $3,237.60.
“Gold remains firm as investors seek defensive assets to hedge against market volatility, with the US signaling the possibility of further tariffs,” said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: China’s US exports could plunge two-thirds, UBS warns
UBS expects China’s exports to the US to drop by two-thirds in the coming quarters, with overall Chinese exports declining 10% in U.S. dollar terms in 2025, factoring in weaker American and global economic growth. “We anticipate some of China’s other trading partners may also impose tariffs on Chinese goods in the months ahead, though likely limited to specific products and at smaller scales than the US tariffs,” the bank said.
UBS noted it remains difficult to predict how US-China tariff tensions will unfold but sees potential for both sides to reopen talks and possibly ease some recent tariff hikes within the next month or two.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Top Chinese official says US tariff aims to ‘take away Hong Kong’s life’
Top Chinese officials overseeing Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong, said on Tuesday that the United States tariff war aims to "take away Hong Kong's life", and said they were "brutally unreasonable and extremely shameless"
UBS has downgraded China's GDP growth forecast to 3.4% in 2025, assuming current tariff hikes will remain and that China rolls out additional stimulus, it said in a report on Tuesday.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: US tariff relief hopes fuel Nikkei surge, Toyota posts big gains
Japan’s Nikkei share average rose on Tuesday, driven by a strong rally in automakers after Trump suggested a possible reprieve from planned auto tariffs. The Nikkei advanced 1% to 34,321.92, with carmakers and auto parts suppliers dominating the leaderboard. The broader Topix index also gained 1.3%.
Toyota Motor surged 5.2% in early trading, lifting the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s auto and parts index by 4.6% — the best-performing sector among the exchange’s 33 industry groupings. Sumitomo Electric Industries led component makers higher, benefiting from optimism over easing trade tensions for the automotive sector.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Legal group sues to block Trump’s tariffs, citing Presidential overreach
A legal advocacy group on Monday urged the US Court of International Trade to block President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, arguing he exceeded his authority. The Liberty Justice Center filed the lawsuit on behalf of five small US businesses that import products from tariff-targeted countries. The suit challenges Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs and earlier duties on China. The group claims only Congress can set tax rates, including tariffs.
“No one person should wield such power,” said Liberty Justice Center counsel Jeffrey Schwab. The White House defended the tariffs, with spokesman Harrison Fields calling them essential to US interests.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Taiwan plans talks as US mulls tariffs on semiconductor imports
Taiwan will assess the potential impact of proposed US tariffs on its semiconductor industry and plans to open talks with Washington, the island’s economy minister said Tuesday. The Trump administration is investigating imports of semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, citing national security risks tied to dependence on foreign supply chains.
The US remains heavily reliant on advanced chips from Taiwan — a reliance former President Joe Biden attempted to curb through the Chips Act, offering billions in subsidies to attract chipmakers to build domestic manufacturing facilities. Taiwan officials say they’ll engage closely with US counterparts to safeguard the sector’s interests.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Trump targets semiconductors and drugs in new tariff investigations
The Trump administration has advanced its plans to target semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports with new tariffs, launching trade investigations through the Commerce Department. Announced Monday via the Federal Register, the probes mark a fresh escalation in the US trade war, potentially impacting critical supply chains.
The Commerce Department confirmed it’s assessing the national security risks posed by imports of semiconductors, chip-making equipment, pharmaceuticals, and drug ingredients. Initiated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act on April 1, the inquiries could take up to 270 days, though Trump officials hint at an expedited review.
President Trump has repeatedly criticised US reliance on foreign-made drugs and semiconductors, labelling it a national security issue and vowing to bring production back home. While intended to bolster domestic manufacturing, any resulting tariffs risk disrupting global supply chains and driving up prices for American consumers and industries reliant on these essential components and medications.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Apple, GM, Ford lead market gains amid tariff rollbacks
Big Tech and auto stocks rallied after the US announced it would remove tariffs on smartphones and other electronics from China over the weekend. The move, combined with President Donald Trump’s remarks about potentially granting exemptions on existing auto-related tariffs, lifted market sentiment.
Apple gained 2.2% after sliding 9% over the past two weeks, as its China-assembled iPhones faced possible price hikes under earlier tariff threats. Auto majors General Motors and Ford rose 3.5% and 4.1%, respectively. Among tech stocks, HP and Dell climbed 2.6% and 4%, while Nvidia dipped slightly despite announcing increased US investments in AI facilities, a move partly driven by trade policy uncertainties.
Chipmakers and suppliers in Europe and Asia also advanced, with Taiwan’s Foxconn up 3%, Quanta Computer jumping 5.8%, and Inventec climbing 4.1%. The developments offered a positive turn for markets grappling with the unpredictable twists in U.S.-China trade relations.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: UK Seen as Safe Haven by Traders
Sterling's stability amid global trade turbulence may attract more investor flows, according to Monex Europe’s Nick Rees. He noted that despite large market movements, the sterling/euro dynamic tends to stay balanced. As uncertainty deepens, the UK could benefit from being seen as a relatively insulated and attractive destination for capital.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Trump to impose tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he plans to introduce tariffs on imported pharmaceutical products in the near future.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Euro Dips, but Still Up on Pound
The euro fell 0.3% to 86.45 pence on Monday but has gained over 3.5% on the pound since Trump’s tariff spree began. Despite the euro’s pullback, analysts believe sterling may continue to benefit from safe-haven shifts, especially as the UK economy shows signs of resilience amid global market jitters.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Dollar Weakens Amid Trade Fears
The US dollar fell broadly as investors, spooked by Trump's unpredictable tariff policies, pulled funds from American assets. Currencies like the euro and pound saw inflows. Although Trump delayed duties on tech goods, looming semiconductor tariffs kept markets on edge, deepening concerns about the long-term impact on the U.S. economy.
AP
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: Pound Rises as Tech Tariffs Delayed
The British pound strengthened against the dollar and euro after Trump excluded smartphones and computers from new tariffs, calming markets briefly. Sterling rose for the fifth day, nearing a six-month high, while the euro slipped. Traders remain cautious, expecting the tariff relief to be short-lived as Trump plans new semiconductor levies.
AP