Global Markets Plunge After US Tariff Hike

Global stock markets have dropped sharply after President Trump announced new US import tariffs, raising the average levy to 15%, the highest since the 1930s. Major European, Asian, and US indices—including the S&P 500 and Dow Jones—fell, with European stocks hitting multi-week lows. The tariffs have raised concerns over economic growth, company profits, and trade flows worldwide. Companies such as Apple and Amazon have reported negative effects, with Apple incurring a $1.1 billion quarterly loss due to the tariffs. Analysts warn that the full economic impact will emerge over the coming months, potentially reducing consumption and trade volumes. The uncertainty created by the tariffs is expected to trigger a significant demand shock outside the US.