Global markets faced turbulence on Monday as Asian stock indices dipped sharply amid the fallout from U.S. protectionist measures. U.S. futures also dropped noticeably, deepening concerns over an uncertain global economic outlook.
Despite attempts by the Trump administration to downplay the tariffs and recession risks, investors reacted with panic selling—an indication that unilateral tariff hikes are sending shockwaves through international markets and may spark a broader bear market.
Influential voices have weighed in on the issue. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, warned that such measures could trigger spiraling uncertainty and intensify protectionist trends. Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron called for unity among European nations, denouncing the tariffs as "brutal and unfounded."
A recent CGTN global survey revealed that 87.7% of respondents believe no nation is immune to the effects of U.S. unilateral actions, while 89.2% called for more proactive, collective responses to counter these pressures. In a notable move, the Chinese mainland was among the first to react, cutting an additional 34 percent tariff on U.S. goods to defend its economic interests.
As global markets stand at a crossroads, the critical question remains: Will countries succumb to protectionist pressure, or will they unite in a multilateral effort to secure a resilient and prosperous international economy?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
