Japanese Shares Extend Losses Amid US Tariff Threats
Japanese equities fell for a second straight session on Monday, as renewed trade tensions pressured market sentiment. The Nikkei 225 Index dropped 1.3% to close at 37,470, while the broader Topix Index declined 0.87% to 2,777.
Selling intensified after US President Donald Trump announced plans to double tariffs on steel imports to 50%, effective June 4. The announcement hit Japanese steelmakers particularly hard, with JFE Holdings down 2.3% and Kobe Steel falling 1.5%.
Nippon Steel lost 1.6%, though the decline was partially offset by Trump’s favorable comments on its proposed merger with US Steel. Losses were broad-based across sectors, with notable declines in technology and automotive stocks.
Among the top laggards were Advantest (-3.8%), Disco (-2.9%) and Toyota (-2.8%). On the economic front, Japan reported a stronger-than-expected rebound in capital expenditure during the first quarter ahead of the imposition of US tariffs.
Source: Trading Economi
