Trump's realised tariff threats sends markets and currencies into a tailspin

US sets sights on EU next

Eve Maddock-Jones
clock • 2 min read

US president Donald Trump has come through on his campaign promises and slapped a wider range of tariffs on his country’s biggest importers, triggering a wave of market volatility.

Trump announced a 25% tax on imports from Canada, Mexico and a 10% levy on Chinese products over the weekend. Within hours, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau unveiled a 25% counter-tariff on $107bn of US goods, while Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum pledged retaliatory levies. China had been celebrating the Lunar New Year over the weekend and amid this the Commerce Ministry issued a statement of "dissatisfaction" and vowed "corresponding countermeasures," without elaborating, according to reports. It pledged to file a complaint at the World Trade Organization and called on the...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Advisers predict returns uptick in face of increased market volatility until 2030

Advisers predict returns uptick in face of increased market volatility until 2030

Investor Confidence Barometer from Scottish Widows

Jenna Brown
clock 07 January 2026 • 2 min read
Advisers see more market volatility coming in 2026

Advisers see more market volatility coming in 2026

Uncertainty over the global economy and UK inflation rate

Isabel Baxter
clock 06 January 2026 • 2 min read
Inflation falls faster than predicted ahead of BoE interest rate vote

Inflation falls faster than predicted ahead of BoE interest rate vote

3.2% in November

Michael Nelson
clock 17 December 2025 • 2 min read