Trump Tariffs: Impact on the Market and Key Currencies 

Markets have experienced choppy, two-way price action in response to US President Trump’s tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico and China. These are potentially bigger in speed, scope and breadth than expected and initially saw the dollar strengthen and the yen outperform on safe haven demand. Risk markets sold off, including stocks and growth-sensitive currencies like AUD and NZD. 

Volatility was heightened and “headline havoc” was in full effect with an agreement struck later in the day for a one-month delay to Mexican tariffs and after the US close, to Canadian tariffs too. Souring sentiment and concerns over the impact on global growth have driven markets, with retaliatory measures sparking the initial moves. Markets are now alert for any other signs of agreement on more delays to tariff implementation, as well as other possible new tariff announcements.   

Key Points 

• Trump’s tariffs caused market volatility, boosting the USD and safe havens while hurting risk currencies. 

• Currency moves reversed after tariff delay agreements with Mexico and Canada. 

• Long-term tariffs risk global growth, higher US inflation, and shifting trade dynamics. 

Key Tariff Policies Introduced by Trump ^[1] 

As promised, President Trump imposed new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China on 1 February 2025, initiating a trade war with three of the US’s largest trading partners. The executive order enforced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, excluding Canadian oil and energy products, which face a 10% levy. Chinese imports were hit with an additional 10% tariff. 

The changes apply to all goods from countries that together account for around 42% of all US imports. In retaliation, Canada announced 25% tariffs on US goods like alcohol, clothing, household appliances and lumber, while Mexico’s President Sheinbaum at first said the country would also launch retaliatory tariffs and other measures. An agreement for a delay was subsequently reached.  

How Tariffs Affect Global Currencies 

Predictably, the US dollar surged while the CAD and MXN tumbled on fears over a slowdown in growth and possible recessions in Canada and Mexico. Other currencies in the firing line included the AUD and NZD, close proxies of the Chinese and global economy.  

The euro also gapped lower as Trump lines up tariffs on eurozone imports. The yen was the relative outperformer as it benefitted from safe haven demand, along with the Swiss franc, though that is tied closely to the eurozone. 

Reversals to these moves came late in the day as agreement on delays to tariffs was reached. In fact, the CAD closed in the green on the day, while other majors closed their initial gaps to also close in positive territory.  

The Link Between Tariffs and Exchange Rates 

Tariffs influence exchange rates by altering trade flows and affecting the demand for currencies. These levies can favour a stronger domestic currency by reducing imports and improving the trade balance. A positive trade balance increases the demand for the domestic currency in international markets. 

Here’s what typically happens: When a country imposes tariffs on imports, it often reduces the volume of goods coming into the country. This can reduce the demand for foreign currency. This is because fewer imports mean fewer payments to foreign suppliers. In turn, this drop in demand can lead to a stronger domestic currency relative to the foreign currency. 

For example, if the United States imposes high tariffs on goods from Canada, US businesses may purchase fewer goods from its neighbour. Consequently, there will be less demand for CAD, potentially weakening it when compared with the USD. However, retaliation by Canada, such as imposing tariffs on US exports, could create counterbalancing effects. 

Impact on Trade Balances and Currency Valuation 

In simple terms, tariffs are taxes imposed on goods (not services) imported from other countries. These levies are most commonly charged as a percentage of the product’s value. For example, the 25% tariff on goods shipped from Canada and Mexico means a product in the US that costs $40 will face an additional $10 charge. 

Tariffs are used by governments to protect domestic industries from external competition and correct trade imbalances. They can then influence exchange rates and currencies as they may reduce imports from a particular country, which causes the country’s currency to depreciate as demand for its currency declines. 

Of course, it should be noted that exchange rates depend on numerous factors. 

Case Studies: Currency Movements During Trump’s Tariff Announcements 

Currencies have been volatile since the weekend announcement of tariffs. Risk-off sentiment saw those currencies tied to global growth suffer while safe havens were bid. But after the US session opened, the deal between Mexico and the US saw a reversal of these moves and downside gaps after the initial opening were filled.  

The late Canada deal further extended these moves. If tariffs are avoided or delayed further, there might be no change to the broader economic outlook. USD may fluctuate based on how markets price in tariff-related risks.  

USD Trends 

The dollar has been in a strong uptrend since September, rising significantly and hitting two-year highs in mid-January. In fact, the greenback’s inflation-adjusted exchange rate was at its highest since 1985.  

US exceptionalism had been a key market theme in 2024. And given the new administration’s policy mix of tariffs, immigration controls, fiscal stimulus and deregulation – allied to an already strong US economy and FOMC on policy pause – few investors have stood in the way of King Dollar’s rally.   

Effects on the other currencies 

Currencies sensitive to global growth and commodity-dollar currencies like AUD and NZD, known as risk-on currencies, were initially sold strongly as worries about waning worldwide economic activity hit sentiment.  

Outperformers were the more defensive, safe haven currencies like the Japanese yen and Swiss France. Meanwhile, the euro was sold relatively aggressively as it is seen next in the firing line for fresh Trump tariffs.  

Potential Long-Term Currency Impacts of Tariff Policies 

Many economists agree that trade wars do not benefit any party, in what has been described as a “lose-lose situation” for all countries involved. Tit-for-tat measures might see an escalation in responses, which ultimately depress sentiment and economic activity. 

Typically, a portion of the costs of tariffs will be paid by consumers. That means sellers may raise the price of goods they are importing for consumers. This could exacerbate US inflation with some economists suggesting that the rate of inflation might rise significantly. 

In this environment, USD might strengthen, as it did in 2018-2019, as US growth should remain stronger than major trading partners and yield differentials will remain dollar supportive on a less dovish Fed. But an all-out and prolonged tariff war could result in questions over the longer-term implications for US economic growth and trade relationships. On the flip side, much slower growth and possible recessions are forecast for those countries that get hit with tariffs.  

Market Volatility and Investor Sentiment 

Sentiment initially deteriorated severely while volatility quickly picked up as markets tried to make sense of the announcements. The mood turned “risk-off” with stocks getting sold and investors bidding up safe haven currencies. However, the later confirmation that Mexico had agreed to a one-month delay to tariffs caused a reversal in the earlier moves. 

The VIX, a volatility gauge and known as Wall Street’s “fear gauge”, initially moved above its long-term average before settling back below 19 later during the US session. Sentiment remains uncertain with this kind of ambiguity, over the long-term not helping businesses and companies in their investment plans.  

Shifts in Global Trade Dynamics 

The tariffs that were to be imposed on Canada and Mexico were set to dismantle a multi-decade free trade agreement. In sum, one economist reckoned they were roughly five times as large as the cumulative sum of trade actions taken under the first Trump administration, which would be a trade shock far larger than that of Brexit on the UK. 

Recessions were likely in Canada and Mexico with US inflation back above 3% and US growth potentially also lower ^[2]. There would be a similar or bigger growth drag on Asia and China. 

Conclusion: What Traders Should Watch for in the Future 

Uncertainty is high and significant in the current environment. There are so many questions, including how long will tariffs last, will exemptions be granted, what will Trump’s response be, and if these measures will be subject to legal challenges.   

Keeping well informed, following and understanding the latest news is key in these volatile times. Headlines are changing rapidly which means your views need to adjust accordingly if you are a short-term trader. Those who hold positions for a longer timeframe need to figure out any more meaningful implications. News on new tariffs or agreement on extended delays will present opportunities to observe market reactions.  

Stay ahead of market shifts by leveraging real-time data, robust trading tools, and expert insights. Open a live account with Vantage today and start trading. 

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