FX.co ★ Japanese Shares Wobble as Tariff Concerns Weigh

On Wednesday, the Nikkei 225 fell slightly by 0.05% to approximately 39,670, while the broader Topix Index rose 0.25% to 2,823. This mixed movement in Japanese stocks occurred against a backdrop of intensified trade tensions. Investors are closely assessing recent tariff announcements from Washington, where U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed there would be no modifications or extensions to the tariffs affecting 14 countries. Japan, in particular, will face a new 25% tariff starting August 1. In response, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that Tokyo will continue negotiations with the U.S. to seek a mutually advantageous resolution. In a further development, Trump revealed a 50% levy on copper imports and hinted at the possibility of imposing tariffs up to 200% on pharmaceutical products, exacerbating worries about global trade volatility. On the corporate side, declines were led by Advantest, which fell 0.8%, Fujikura, down 1.8%, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which dropped 2.2%. Conversely, gains were seen with Sanrio rising 2.1%, Kioxia Holdings jumping 4.9%, and Toyota Motor advancing 1.5%.