Asian Stocks Rise on Trump Tariff Delays, Trade Talks

Asian equity markets saw modest gains as President Donald Trump delayed the implementation of newly announced tariffs on imports from several countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia, pushing the deadline to August 1 and leaving open the possibility for further negotiations. Trump’s tariff notices impose duties ranging from 25% to 40% on countries such as Laos, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Cambodia, but his comments that the tariffs are “not 100% firm” and could be adjusted suggest a negotiation strategy aimed at securing trade deals. The market response was cautiously optimistic, with gains in Japanese and South Korean stocks, while oil prices steadied amid concerns over global trade tensions and OPEC+ production increases. Analysts noted that investors are viewing the tariff announcements as tactical moves rather than final decisions, anticipating that deals might be reached before the tariffs take effect. Despite some volatility, global equities have rebounded from earlier lows, supported by expectations of resolutions in ongoing trade discussions. Currency movements included a slight rise in the yen and a retreat in the US dollar, while Treasury yields ticked higher amid the mixed economic outlook.