Japanese stocks led declines in Asia-Pacific markets, after U.S. President Donald Trump made it clear that tariffs on Mexico and Canada would go into effect as planned.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index stumbled 454.29 points, or 1.2%, to 37,331.18.
Japan’s employment rate for January came in at 2.5%, slightly higher than Reuters’ estimates of 2.4%.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index dropped 64.5 points, or 0.3%, to 22,941.77.
Korean markets dipped after a holiday Monday.
The country’s retail sales for January fell 0.6% from the previous month. Revised estimates show a rise in the 0.2% rise in the metric in December.
Australian markets also declined, as the country’s retail sales for January rose 0.3% in line with Reuters estimates. Retail sales had declined 0.1% in December.
CHINA
The CSI 300 in mainland China lost 3.25 points, or 0.1% to 3,885.22
Investors kept a watch on Chinese stocks as the mainland kicks off its annual parliamentary gathering, known as the “Two Sessions.”
In other markets
In Taiwan, the Taiex index ditched 159.37 points, or 0.7%, to 22,596.88.
In Singapore, the Straits Times index lost 18.16 points, or 0.5%, to 3,890.76
In Korea, the Kospi returned from a long weekend and dipped 3.86 points, or 0.2%, to 2,528.92
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 faltered 80.34 points, or 0.6%, to 12,469.71.
In Australia, the ASX 200 fell 47.59 points, or 0.6%, to 8,198.06.
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