ForexLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap:Trump Canada, Mexico tariffs remarks trigger FX swings

  • Forex news for Asian trading on Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Trump signed a long list of Executive Orders late in the US afternoon, but did not do so on tariffs. He did, however, float a number of ideas on what he might do with tariffs:

  • 25% tariffs on Mexico & Canada could start in 10 days
  • China could be hit with major tariffs if they don't sell TikTok, suggests 100% as possibility
  • A universal tariff on all countries is still on the table

It was that first remark, 25% for Mexico & Canada in ten days that hit markets like a hammer. Major FX dropped against a resurgent US dollar. USD/CAD rose to circa 1.4515, while EUR, AUD, NZD, GBP, CHF and JPY dropped hard.

USD/JPY had dipped briefly below 155.00 before it was shunted to highs around 156.20.

USD/JPY began dropping away again as Trump’s remarks were examined in light of him requesting a report from the Secretary of Commerce by April 1, 2025. USD/JPY fully retraced and then dropped under 155.00 to lows circa 154.79.

For those who were around for Trump’s first term you’ll recall what he says does not always match up with facts (in this case April 1 is not 10 ten days away!), but he does create market movement!

cad mxn tariff wrap 21 January 2025 2

Top Brokers

Sponsored

General Risk Warning