Asia-Pacific markets traded in a mixed territory on Monday as investors are monitoring the upcoming trade talks between the U.S. and China. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will lead the talk scheduled to take place in Stockholm later today.
On Sunday, the U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with the European Union with an implication of 15% tariffs on EU import goods, down from 30%. According to President Trump, the new tariff regime will cover a broad range of European goods, including automobiles, though exceptions have been carved out for aircraft, some chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
While the new tariffs spare key sectors, the longstanding 50% duties on European steel and aluminum will remain for now.
As of 9:45 local time in Thailand on Monday (GMT+7), Japan’s Nikkei dipped 0.74%, while Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.28% and 1%, respectively. Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.16% and Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.14%.
Thailand’s SET Index is closed on a holiday.
