European stocks mostly slipped on Monday, July 14, while Asian markets posted mixed results, after U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on trading partners with a bold new tariff move.
Trump announced plans to slap 30% tariffs on goods from the European Union and Mexico, pointing to the EU’s chronic trade surplus with the U.S. and Mexico’s failure to stop the flow of illegal drugs across the border. The move sent a clear signal that the president is serious about defending American workers and industries—even if it means rattling some nerves in global markets.
Brussels, rattled by the announcement, revived threats made in May to hit back with tariffs on roughly €100 billion ($117 billion) worth of U.S. exports, targeting big-ticket items like American cars and planes if negotiations collapse.
In Asia, markets showed no clear direction. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, and Jakarta all ended in the green, while Tokyo, Sydney, Taipei, Mumbai, and Wellington slipped slightly.
Analysts say the final outcome remains uncertain ahead of the August 1 deadline, as behind-the-scenes talks continue.
