Major multinational companies experience significant drops in share value amid tariffs announced by the Trump administration.
Actions of several multinational companies saw notable declines on April 2 due to the imposition of reciprocal tariffs announced by former President
Donald Trump.
Among the companies most affected were technology giant Apple, and sportswear brands including Nike, Adidas, and GAP.
Apple's stock plummeted by 9.25% on the announcement day.
Despite diversifying its manufacturing operations outside of China, the firm faced significant pressure due to the newly enacted tariffs.
Tariffs imposed on products from countries such as China (54%), Vietnam (46%), India (27%), Malaysia (24%), and Ireland (20%) have respectively heightened operational difficulties for Apple.
In the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, both Adidas and Puma reflected significant losses, with their stocks declining by 11.72% and 11.16%, respectively.
Other sports brands also experienced downturns in the United States; at the close of the New York Stock Exchange, Nike's shares fell by 14.44%, GAP endured a steep drop of 20.32%, while Lululemon saw a 9.58% decline.
Vietnam, impacted by a 46% tariff, is crucial for footwear production as it supplies half of Nike's and 39% of Puma's shoe manufacturing.
The broader market was affected, with significant drops reported among what are referred to as the 'Magnificent Seven' technology companies.
In addition to Apple, NVIDIA shares decreased by 7.8%, Alphabet by 4%, Microsoft by 2.4%, Meta by 9%, Amazon by 9%, and
Tesla by 5.5%.
Amid these market reactions, Trump stated predictions for a financial and economic surge, asserting that 'the markets will have a boom' and 'the country will have a boom.'
The correlation between stock prices and corporate capacity to execute production schedules, sales strategies, and budgets is significant for investor confidence.
According to economic analyst Mauricio Castro, announcements leading to uncertainties impact revenue projections, cost assumptions, and profitability, resulting in decreased stock values.
Castro noted that the introduction of tariffs generates negative uncertainty regarding operational costs, production timelines, and investment strategies, prompting the markets to adjust downward.
Adriana Rodríguez, general manager at Acobo Puesto de Bolsa, indicated that the announcement of tariffs exceeded general expectations, leading to lowered consumer and economic growth projections globally.
She suggested that following this initial phase of tariff announcements under the Trump administration, there could be agreements and negotiations that could allow businesses to adapt and remain competitive in this new trade framework.