CAPITAL MARKETS

Surprise Trump tariffs spook markets

Markets were rattled overnight after US president Donald Trump escalated the trade war in China

Staff reporter

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Trump tweeted that US officials had just returned from "constructive" talks with China, but again blamed China for backing out of a trade deal three months ago. He said while talks would continue, from September 1, the US would impose a 10% tariff on US$300 billion of goods being imported from China.

"We look forward to continuing our positive dialogue with China on a comprehensive Trade Deal, and feel that the future between our two countries will be a very bright one!" Trump tweeted.

US stocks were down by about 1% and oil plunged nearly 8% to US$53.95 a barrel.

Zinc, lead and aluminium lost more than 1% each in London, while copper dropped 0.5%.

Only nickel was up with a 0.9% rise.

The MySteel 62% Australian iron ore fines price dropped 4.6% to $112.85 per tonne after Vale said it expected to lift output in the current half.

Spot gold was trading at US$1,446 an ounce or a record high of A$2123.80/oz.

 

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