Asian markets traded mostly lower in early deals on Tuesday, as the investor sentiments dulled after US President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff from China and a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico as well as Canada. Participants keenly awaited for release of key US economic data and the Bank of Korea's upcoming interest rate decision later this week. Japan’s Nikkei plunged after two straight day gains amidst woes over global trade tensions. Moreover, stronger local currency yen also pressured the index further.
Nikkei 225 tumbled by 561.76 points or 1.45% to 38,218.38, Straight times down 11.16 points or 0.30% to 3,720.23, KOSPI declined by 17.90 points or 0.71% to 2,516.44, Taiwan narrowed by 209.45 points or 0.91% to 22,738.92, and Jakarta Composite dimmed by 22.19 points or 0.30% to 7,291.92.
On flip side, Hang Seng up by 93.64 points or 0.49% to 19,244.63, Shanghai rose by 14.06 points or 0.43% to 3,277.82, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI higher by 7.44 points or 0.47% to 1,604.89.