The global financial landscape is bracing for one of the most volatile starts to the week in years, following a wave of new trade tariffs announced by the United States. With the 10% baseline import tariff now in effect and further penalties scheduled against key trading partners, markets are on edge. Investors are urgently reassessing their portfolios ahead of Monday’s opening bell, as several major stocks are poised for significant declines.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the latest developments and the stocks most at risk.

Trade Tariff Developments Over the Weekend

The United States officially implemented a 10% import tariff on all foreign goods on Saturday, 5 April 2025. From Tuesday, 9 April 2025, tariffs will sharply escalate against 57 countries, including a 20% tariff on European Union goods and a staggering 54% tariff on Chinese imports.

Global responses have been swift:

• China announced a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. imports and restricted rare earth exports critical to technology production.
• The European Union is preparing to approve counter-tariffs worth up to $28 billion.
• The United Kingdom has opted against immediate retaliation, signalling a strategic pivot away from globalisation.
• Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu is due to meet President Trump in Washington to negotiate exemptions after Israeli goods were included in the tariffs.

The cumulative effect has triggered a sharp sell-off across global markets. Analysts forecast nearly $5 trillion could be wiped off equity markets globally, with Australian shares alone facing a $114 billion loss.

Stocks Expected to Suffer the Most on Monday

The impact of the tariffs is sector-wide but particularly acute for companies heavily exposed to global supply chains.

Technology Sector

Apple Inc. (AAPL):
Apple is expected to suffer substantial losses. The company, with its vast Chinese manufacturing network, has already seen a 15.9% decline in its stock price since the tariff news broke. Additional production costs, margin compression, and reduced Chinese demand make Apple one of the most vulnerable tech giants.

Nvidia Corporation (NVDA):
Nvidia has experienced a 7% sell-off. As a chipmaker heavily reliant on China for both manufacturing and end-market sales, further downside is expected if supply chain bottlenecks worsen.

Automotive Sector

General Motors (GM) and Ford (F):
The 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts will likely be devastating for GM and Ford. Analysts warn of annual profit reductions of $14 billion for GM and $10 billion for Ford. Both stocks have already come under pressure and are expected to slide further on Monday.

Tesla Inc. (TSLA):
Tesla’s stock fell 9% despite its U.S.-based manufacturing because of fears over supply chain inflation and broader economic weakness. A continued sell-off looks likely.

Retail Sector

Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN):
Amazon’s reliance on international suppliers places it directly in the firing line of the new tariffs. With consumer goods becoming more expensive to import, Amazon could face shrinking margins and reduced customer demand. Its shares have already started to slump and further declines are expected.

Nike Inc. (NKE):
Nike, sourcing heavily from Asia, has seen a 12% fall in share value. Tariff-induced cost increases may force price hikes, potentially weakening demand.

Financial Sector

Major U.S. Banks (JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America):
Financial stocks are also under pressure. Economic slowdown fears have dragged major banks down by between 6% and 11%. Loan growth prospects are deteriorating, and bad debt provisions are expected to rise.

Steel Industry

U.S. Steel Companies (Nucor, U.S. Steel):
Contrary to expectations, steel stocks have plunged. While tariffs were intended to protect them, broader industrial slowdown fears and reduced demand for steel-heavy goods have sparked a sell-off.

Global Market Overview

• The Nasdaq Composite entered a bear market, falling over 20% from recent highs.
• The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average are poised to open sharply lower.
• Asian and European markets are also bracing for a brutal start to the week.

Monday is set to be a critical session that could dictate market sentiment for weeks to come. Defensive positioning and close attention to tariff-sensitive sectors will be vital for investors navigating these turbulent times.

Conclusion

The sudden escalation of trade tensions has triggered a global flight to safety. Investors should expect heightened volatility and potentially steep losses in key sectors, particularly technology, automotive, retail, and banking. Stocks like Apple, Nvidia, GM, Ford, Amazon, Nike, and major U.S. banks are at the highest risk.

Market participants are advised to monitor developments closely, diversify portfolios where possible, and consider defensive sectors less exposed to international trade, such as utilities and healthcare.