Asian Markets Fall After Trump Imposes Broad Tariffs; Pakistan Stock Exchange Hits Record High

Asian stock markets broadly declined following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on imports from nearly 70 countries, including major Asian economies. Japan's Nikkei 225, South Korea's KOSPI, Taiwan, Australia, and Hong Kong markets mostly experienced losses, with South Korea seeing some of the sharpest declines. These tariffs, set to take effect on August 7, were part of Trump's strategy to pressure nations into finalizing trade deals before an August 1 deadline, with some countries like Japan, South Korea, and the EU having already struck agreements. The heightened tariffs have raised concerns among analysts about the negative impact on Asia's export-driven economies and global trade stability, with experts noting increased market uncertainty and potential slowdowns in regional growth. Contrastingly, Pakistan's stock exchange surged to a historic high, driven by improved macroeconomic indicators and government policies, highlighting divergent regional responses. Overall, the tariff measures are contributing to market caution amid ongoing trade negotiations and mixed economic data.