NewTradingView.com – Investing and Stock News
Investing and Stock News
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Investing

Europe markets open: Stoxx 600 dips as UK exports nosedive & Trump’s tariff claims sow chaos

by June 12, 2025
written by June 12, 2025

European stock markets took a sharp dive at the open on Thursday, with a palpable sense of unease spreading across trading floors.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.42% shortly after trading began, as a stark drop in UK exports to the US underscored the real-world impact of trade tariffs, while confusing signals from Washington regarding a US-China trade deal further rattled investor confidence.

A significant contributor to the gloomy market mood was fresh data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), which revealed a staggering £2 billion ($2.71 billion) plunge in UK goods exports to the US in April.

This represents the biggest monthly drop since records began in 1997, pushing the value of these exports to its lowest level since February 2022.

The ONS directly stated that the shift was “likely linked to the implementation of tariffs on goods imported to the United States.”

This sharp decline in UK exports comes despite the UK and US having announced the outline of a trade deal at the start of May.

However, that agreement still imposed 10% blanket tariffs on British goods sent stateside and has not yet been fully implemented, leaving 25% duties on crucial sectors like steel, aluminum, and autos.

Adding to the bleak trade picture, US imports to the UK also fell by £400 million for the month.

Overall, the UK’s trade deficit in goods widened by £4.4 billion to £60 billion in the three months to April, while its trade surplus in services dipped by £500 million to £48.5 billion.

The travel sector led the sectoral declines across Europe, down 1.5%, as almost all segments found themselves in the red.

US-China trade deal: confusion reigns after Trump’s tariff claims

Global market confidence, which had seen some apparent progress in trade talks between the US and China, seemed to falter somewhat overnight.

Asia-Pacific markets traded in mixed territory, and US stock futures pointed lower as investors tried to decipher conflicting messages from the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump declared in a post on Truth Social earlier Wednesday that a trade deal with China was “done”, stating, “WE ARE GETTING A TOTAL OF 55% TARIFFS, CHINA IS GETTING 10%.”

However, this claim was later contradicted by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who said that US levies on goods from China would not change from their current levels.

The deal still requires official approval from both President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaving its status and terms uncertain.

UK economic data disappoints; chancellor vows growth focus

Adding to the downbeat sentiment, the latest UK GDP figures also underwhelmed. Data showed the economy shrank by 0.3% in April on a monthly basis.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged this, describing the print as “clearly disappointing.”

“Our number one mission is delivering growth to put more money in people’s pockets through our Plan for Change, and while these numbers are clearly disappointing, I’m determined to deliver on that mission,” she said in a statement out Thursday.

Reeves pointed to the spending review she delivered to lawmakers on Wednesday, which laid out expenditure and investment plans for all government departments for the next few years, as evidence of the Treasury’s ambition to deliver jobs and growth.

“Whether that’s improving city region transport, a record investment in affordable homes or funding Sizewell C nuclear power station. We’re investing in Britain’s renewal to make working people better off,” she commented.

Trade tensions top investor worry list

The current market anxiety underscores a broader trend. Mounting trade tensions and tariffs have now become the single biggest worry for global investors, overshadowing all other economic risks, according to a new survey published by British investment manager Schroders.

The survey found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of institutional investors and wealth managers identified trade levies as the most significant macroeconomic concern impacting their investment strategy.

The post Europe markets open: Stoxx 600 dips as UK exports nosedive & Trump’s tariff claims sow chaos appeared first on Invezz

0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

previous post
UK GDP falls by 0.3% in April as services slump and US tariffs bite
next post
US-China trade talks and Washington’s decade-long effort to block China’s tech surge

You may also like

GMS stock jumps 29% on takeover interest from...

June 20, 2025

Japan’s rice price surge: what’s driving it and...

June 20, 2025

Foxconn and Nvidia to deploy humanoid robots in...

June 20, 2025

US stocks climb higher at open: Dow jones...

June 20, 2025

Apollo backs £4.5bn loan for delayed Hinkley Point...

June 20, 2025

Audi weighs $4.6 billion US plant amid tariff...

June 20, 2025

Tesla stock gains ahead of robotaxi launch: analyst...

June 20, 2025

BofA raises STOXX 600 target amid resilient global...

June 20, 2025

XRP price stuck under $3: can it finally...

June 20, 2025

Elon Musk confirms Tesla Robotaxi pilot launching in...

June 20, 2025
Become a VIP member by signing up for our newsletter. Enjoy exclusive content, early access to sales, and special offers just for you! As a VIP, you'll receive personalized updates, loyalty rewards, and invitations to private events. Elevate your experience and join our exclusive community today!




    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Oil and natural gas: Oil is back on the positive side

    • 2

      Gold and Silver: Gold remains stable in the $2420 zone

    • 3

      The dollar index continues to pull back to a new low

    • 4

      IonQ Stock Review: Should You Consider Investing Now?

    • 5

      Bitcoin Rebounds to $83,404 Amid Renewed Investor Confidence

    Recent Posts

    • Iran regime escalates repression toward ‘North Korea-style model of isolation and control’

      July 4, 2025
    • This July 4th, a family waits: American hostage’s father pleads for son’s freedom from Hamas terrorists

      July 4, 2025
    • President Trump to honor Iran strike flight team at the White House

      July 4, 2025
    • North Korea lashes out after Trump DOJ exposes massive IT infiltration scheme

      July 4, 2025
    • Saudi defense minister secretly meets with Trump to discuss Iran de-escalation, Israel: sources

      July 4, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (20)
    • Editor's Pick (499)
    • Investing (20)
    • Stock (57)
    • About us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: NewTradingView.com, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.


    Copyright © 2025 NewTradingView.com All Rights Reserved.


    Back To Top
    NewTradingView.com – Investing and Stock News
    • Investing
    • Stock
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick