Asian Markets Decline as Tariff Uncertainty and Bitcoin Volatility Persist

Global markets react to shifting U.S. tariff policies, weak Chinese trade data, and President Trump's establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Asian stock markets saw widespread declines, with Japan's Nikkei 225 dropping 2.1% and Australia's ASX 200 falling 1.8%, following a turbulent session on Wall Street.
President Trump delayed the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods until April 2, creating temporary relief for automakers but leaving broader trade policies uncertain.
Bitcoin experienced a 5.7% drop after Trump's executive order to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, though no public purchases of the cryptocurrency are planned.
China reported weaker-than-expected trade data for January-February, with exports growing only 2.3% and imports contracting by 8.4%, raising concerns about global economic stability.
Investors await February's U.S. jobs report, with economists predicting an acceleration in hiring, as labor market strength remains critical to sustaining consumer spending and economic growth.