Latest impact on UK markets revealed after Donald Trump’s ‘explosive’ tariffs sees global stocks tumble – live updates

By JAMIE BULLEN

Updated: 08:38 BST, 9 April 2025

UK markets opened lower this morning as Donald Trump’s ‘explosive’ tariffs sees stocks tumble across the world.

The FTSE opened 2.5% down as markets plunged again as Trump’s tariffs took effect on around 60 countries including a 104 per cent levy on Chinese imports.

Countries have been braced for potential economic damage from the import taxes on goods entering the US from midnight Washington time – just after 5am in the UK.

Speaking last night, Mr Trump said: ‘They ripped us off left and right. But now it’s our turn to do the ripping. And I do think that the war with the world, which is not a war at all, because they’re all coming here. Japan is coming here as we speak.’

Live updates below 

How global markets reacted to Trump’s ‘explosive’ tariffs

Asian stock markets tumbled earlier this morning as they opened lower and extended their losses throughout trading hours.

Japan’s stock index fell more than 5 per cent at one stage with global markets having been wobbly for days as investors are flummoxed over what to make of the trade war.

• The Nikkei 255 ended the day down 3.9 per cent at 31,714;
• the Hang Seng in Hong Kong lost 1.8 per cent to 19,769;
• South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.9 per cent to 2,291.
• The Shanghai Composite index was trading roughly level at 3,141,
• While the S&P/ASX 200 in Australia declined 1.8 per cent to 7,375 and shares in New Zealand also fell.

This morning, European indexes have seen a slump with the UK’s FTSE 100 dropping 2.34% while France’s Cac 40 is down 2.4% and Germany’s Dax fell by 2.3%.

FTSE falls sharply as European markets slump

The FTSE 100 fell sharply on Wednesday morning after a new wave of Donald Trump’s tariffs came into force, including a 104% levy on Chinese goods.

The index, which tracks the UK’s top 100 listed companies, fell 2.34% in early trades, or by 186 points, to reach 7,724.29 shortly after opening, wiping out most of the gains made on Tuesday.

Elsewhere in Europe, France’s Cac 40 was down by 2.4% while Germany’s Dax index slumped by about 2.3%.

Top story: Trump declares ‘war with the world’ as global stocks plummet

Here is our top story this morning as stock markets plunged in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs which came into effect for around 60 countries.

The President’s tariffs have shaken a global trading order that has persisted for decades, raised fears of recession and sent stock markets around the world reeling.

Read Mark Duell’s story here:

Stocks tumble as Trump’s ‘explosive’ tariffs take effect

Good morning and hello to MailOnline’s live coverage as stock markets plunge once again in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Trump’s tariffs have taken effect on around 60 countries including a 104 per cent levy on Chinese imports.

Countries have been braced for potential economic damage from the import taxes on goods entering the US from midnight Washington time – just after 5am in the UK.

Stick with us for the latest news, reaction and analysis throughout the day.

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Latest impact on UK markets revealed after Donald Trump’s ‘explosive’ tariffs sees global stocks tumble – live updates

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