The U.S. dollar rebounded in volatile Asian trading on Tuesday after President Donald Trump suggested potential tariffs on Canada and Mexico, though specifics were scarce. Trump hinted at a 25% tariff announcement on February 1, surprising markets that had anticipated a more measured approach.
Trade-exposed currencies reacted sharply, with the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso falling. The dollar rose 1.2% to 1.4475 against the Canadian dollar and gained 1.3% on the peso. The dollar index climbed 0.6% to 108.65 after a 1.2% drop on Monday, its steepest daily decline since late 2023.
The euro slipped to $1.0364 from an earlier high of $1.0434, as the European Union, with its substantial trade surplus with the U.S., is seen as a potential target for tariffs. The dollar also rebounded 0.3% against the Japanese yen to 156.06, recovering from a five-week low of 154.90. The yen had strengthened last week on expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike this Friday.
Market strategists were caught off guard by Trump’s aggressive tariff proposal. "A 25% tariff as a starting point is unexpected," said Shoki Omori, chief global desk strategist at Mizuho Securities. "Markets had anticipated an incremental approach, possibly beginning with China."
The dollar also gained 0.3% on the Chinese yuan to 7.2847. Trump has previously threatened China with tariffs as high as 60%, heightening concerns over trade tensions.
Currency markets are now closely monitoring developments, especially ahead of the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting and potential updates on U.S. trade policy.
