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Tariffs

Japan's Business Sentiment Mixed, Yen StrengthensThe Japanese yen has gained ground on Tuesday. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 149.27, down 0.47% on the day. The yen was red-hot in the fourth quarter of 2024, gaining a massive 9.5% against the US dollar, but has reversed directions in Q1, declining 4.7%. The Manufacturing Tankan index indicated that confidence among manufacturers eased to 12 in Q1 2025, down from 14 in the previous quarter. This was the lowest level in a year, reflective of growing concern among Japanese manufacturers over US tariff policy. The Non-manufacturing Tankan index, meanwhile, moved in the opposite direction, climbing to 35 in Q1, up from 33 in the Q4 2024 release. This was the fastest pace of growth since August 1991, as companies are increasingly passing on costs to consumers. The mixed Tankan report is unlikely to change the cautious stance of the Bank of Japan, which has expressed concerns about the uncertainty caused by the threat of additional US tariffs. The BoJ held rates steady in March and the next meeting is on May 1, with the markets projecting another hold. US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose wide-ranging tariffs on April 2, leaving US trading partners and the financial markets highly anxious ahead of what Trump has declared "Liberation Day". It is unclear which countries will be targeted or what the tariff rates will be, which has only added to financial market jitters. If Trump goes ahead with the tariffs and targeted countries retaliate with counter-tariffs, we will be one step closer to a global trade war. USD/JPY has pushed below support at 149.65. Below, there is support at 149.02 There is resistance at 150.59 and 151.22
by OANDA
Using Micro Soybean Futures to Finetune Trading StrategiesCBOT: Micro Soybean Futures ( CBOT_MINI:MZS1! ) Shipping industry news recently reported that 30 U.S. soybean ships (about 2 million tons) are currently heading to China, nearly half of which will arrive after April 12th, when China's 10% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. soybeans will take effect. How big are the tariffs? Let’s say a cargo of soybeans, or 65,000 tons, is sent to China. Assuming the trade is $10 per bushel, given 36.74 bushels per ton, total cargo value is $23.88 million. Upon arriving in China, you owe a new tax bill for $2.39 million! According to people familiar with the matter, many cargoes are for China Grain Reserves, which may be exempted from tariffs. Soybean cargoes loaded before March 12th are eligible for a one-month grace period. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on March 20th showed that the stock of unsold agricultural products in China was 1.22 million tons. Any sign of order cancellation will help us assess the real impact of tariffs. In anticipation of the tariffs, China rushes to buy U.S. soybeans in the past two months. In January and February, China bought 9.13 million metric tons of soybeans from the U.S., up 84% year-over-year. I expect the buying will vanish by the second quarter, given new crop arriving from Brazil at much lower prices without the tariffs imposed by China. China relies heavily on imported soybeans to crush into soybean oil for cooking use and soybean meal, a key ingredient in animal feed. The oversupply of soybeans pushes the downstream soybean meal market to crash. According to the statistics of China Feed Industry Information, soybean meals spot market prices tumbled more than 600 yuan per ton to 3,180 since February, nearly a 20% drop. Top feed processing companies, including New Hope, Haida, and Dabeinong, have each announced price cuts ranging from 50 to 300 yuan per ton for their chicken feed and hog feed products. With lower overall demand, and tariffs making South American soybeans more competitive, U.S. soybeans face a shrinking export market. On my March 17th commentary “Soybeans: Déjà vu all over again”, I expressed a bearish view on CBOT Soybean Futures and discussed the possibility of $8 beans. Trading with Micro Soybean Futures On February 24th, CME Group launched a suite of micro-size agricultural futures contracts, including Micro Corn (MZC) futures, Micro Wheat (MZW) futures, Micro Soybean (MZS) futures, Micro Soybean Meal (MZM) futures and Micro Soybean Oil (MZL) futures. The contract size of the micro soybean futures (MZS) is 500 bushels, or just 1/10 of the benchmark standard soybean futures (ZS). The minimum margin is $200 for the front futures month, and it gets smaller further out. For instance, the margins for May, July, August, September and November are $200, $190, $180, $170, and $165, respectively. The smaller capital requirement makes it easier for traders to express an opinion ahead of the release of a USDA report or anticipate the impact of tariffs and retaliation. The latest CFTC Commitments of Traders report shows that, as of March 25th, CBOT soybean futures have total open interest of 853,368 contracts, up 5% in two weeks. • Managed Money has 89,649 in long, 123,470 in short, and 139,427 in spreading • Compared to two weeks ago, long positions were down by 12% while shorts were increased by 12%. This shows that the “Small Money” has turned bearish on soybeans In my opinion, micro soybean futures would be a great instrument to trade market-moving events, particularly the USDA reports. I list the big reports here for your information: • World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), monthly, April 10th • Prospective Plantings, annually, March 31st • Grain Stocks, quarterly, March 31st, June 30th, September 30th • Export Sales, weekly, every Thursday • Crop Progress, weekly during growing season, April 7th, April 14th, April 21st • Acreage, annually, June 30th Hypothetically, a trader expects more soybean planting in this crop year and wants to express a bearish opinion ahead of April 7th Crop Progress. He could enter a short order for May contract MZSK5 at the current market price of 1,023. If he is correct in his view and the contract price drops to 900, the short position would gain $1.23 per bushel (= 1023-900) and the total gain is $615 given the contract size at 500 bushels. The risk of short futures is the continuous rise in soybean prices. The trader would be wise to set a stoploss at his sell order. For example, a stop loss at $11.00 would set the maximum loss to $385 (= (11.00-10.23) x 500). To learn more about all Micro Ag futures contracts traded on CME Group platform, you can check out the following site: www.cmegroup.com Happy Trading. Disclaimers *Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services. CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs tradingview.sweetlogin.com
CBOT_MINI:MZS1!Short
by JimHuangChicago
6
USD/CAD breaks out of falling wedgeUSD/CAD closed higher for a fourth day on Monday, on the even of Trump's liberation day. It also accelerated away from its 50-day EMA after establishing support around its 100-day EMA last week. This has also seen USD/CAD break trend resistance, and a falling wedge pattern now appears to be in play. This suggests an upside target near the 1.4550 cycle highs. Bulls could seek dips towards the 50-day EMA and retain a bullish bias while prices remain above last week's low. Matt Simpson, Market Analyst at City Index and Forex.com
Long
by CityIndex
Why the RBA should cut rates todayThe Reserve Bank of Australia should cut rates today, argues James Glynn in the Wall Street Journal . Markets, however, expect the central bank to wait until May for its next move. RBA Governor Michele Bullock remains cautious, citing lingering inflation. But Glynn contends that global uncertainty now outweighs the RBA’s desire to wait for marginal improvements in inflation data. That uncertainty is set to escalate this Wednesday, with the Trump administration announcing sweeping tariffs on U.S. trading partners—likely triggering retaliatory measures. Andrew Boak, chief economist at Goldman Sachs Australia, appears to support Glynn’s view: “There are costs to waiting until May to cut. Waiting is not always a virtue.” Is Glynn simply chasing a contrarian headline or is there actually a possibility the RBA could act today?
by BlackBull_Markets
Gold Price Surges Amid Market Uncertainty – What’s Next?The late Friday session on March 28, 2025, ended with a strong rally in gold, as multiple price candles attempted to push higher. By 10 PM CET, gold had settled at $3,085.345, reflecting significant bullish momentum. As the market reopened on Monday, the gold price gapped up by approximately +$12.5 , opening at $3,097.978 . This type of price gap typically occurs when buyers are willing to pay more than the previous session’s close, signaling strong demand. What’s Driving the Gold Rally? The answer lies in a mix of tariffs, war, and recession fears. The global financial landscape remains highly unstable, and in times of uncertainty, gold historically acts as the preferred safe-haven asset. Investors are flocking to the precious metal as a hedge against economic instability. Adding fuel to the fire, on April 2nd, additional U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are set to take effect. This move could further disrupt markets, potentially driving even more capital into gold. The Interest Rate Factor – A Hidden Risk? While gold is surging, there’s a crucial factor to watch: Federal Reserve policy. So far, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has maintained a cautious stance on interest rates. However, if the situation deteriorates, the Fed might be forced to cut rates earlier than expected to stabilize the economy. This could create a paradox for gold traders. While rate cuts typically support gold in the long run, a sudden policy shift could trigger a short-term sell-off as investors adjust their positions. If that happens, gold could see a sharp correction before resuming its trend. Final Thoughts Gold remains in a strong uptrend, but traders should stay cautious. If the Fed pivots and announces rate cuts sooner than expected, we could see a pullback in gold before the next leg higher. The coming days will be critical – keep an eye on April 2 and any shifts in Fed policy that could shake up the market. 👉 Will gold continue its rally, or are we facing a major pullback? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is just my personal market idea and not financial advice! 📢 Trading gold and other financial instruments carries risks – only invest what you can afford to lose. Always do your own analysis, use solid risk management, and trade responsibly. Good luck and safe trading! 🚀📊
OANDA:XAUUSD
by Wick-Sniper
Liberation, Altercation or Doom? ES Futures weekly planCME_MINI:ES1! Quick Update ​The upcoming week is poised to be critical for financial markets as President Donald Trump's so-called "Liberation Day" on April 2 approaches. On this date, the administration plans to implement new tariffs aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit by imposing reciprocal duties on imports from various countries. ​ As April 2 looms, the full impact of these tariffs remains uncertain, leaving markets and investors in a state of heightened anticipation.​ We may get clarity on the tariff situation on April 2, 2025. Universal tariff announcement of categories of imports may clarify US administration’s maximum tariff escalation approach. A phased out and unclear tariff approach may keep markets in limbo. Economic Calendar Keep an eye on the data docket, NFP and other key releases are due this week. Tuesday, Apri 1, 2025 : ISM Manufacturing PMI, JOLTS Job Openings Wednesday April 2, 2025 : ADP Employment Change, Factory Orders MoM Thursday April 3, 2025 : Balance of Trade, Imports, Exports, ISM Services PMI, Initial Jobless Claims Friday, April 4, 2025 : Non-Farm Payrolls, Unemployment rate, Average Hourly Earnings MoM,Average Hourly Earnings YoY, Fed Chair Powell Speech Key Levels to Watch: Yearly Open 2025 : 6001.25 Key Resistance : 5850- 5860 LVN : 5770 -5760 Neutral Zone : 5705-5720 Key LIS Mid Range 2024 : 5626.50 2024-YTD mCVAL : 5381 2022 CVAH : 5349.75 August 5th, 2024 Low : 5306.75 Scenario 1: Bold but Strategic Tariffs (Effective Use of Tariff to reduce trade deficit and raise revenue) : In this scenario, we may see relief rally in ES futures, price reclaiming 2024 mid-range with a move higher towards key resistance level. Scenario 2: Maximum pressure, maximum tariff (All out trade war) : In this scenario, we anticipate a sell-off with major support levels, such as 2024- YTD mCVAL, 2022 CVAH and August 5th, 2024 low as immediate downside targets. Scenario 3: Further delays in Tariff policy (A negotiating tool, with looming uncertainty) : In this scenario, sellers remain in control and uncertainty persists, while we anticipate that rallies may be sold, market price action may remain choppy and range bound.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by EdgeClear
Will the Fear Gauge Flash Red?The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), Wall Street's closely watched "fear gauge," is poised for a potential surge due to US President Donald Trump's assertive policy agenda. This article examines the confluence of factors, primarily Trump's planned tariffs and escalating geopolitical tensions, that are likely to inject significant uncertainty into the financial markets. Historically, the VIX has proven to be a reliable indicator of investor anxiety, spiking during economic and political instability periods. The current climate, marked by a potential trade war and heightened international risks, suggests a strong likelihood of increased market volatility and a corresponding rise in the VIX. President Trump's impending "Liberation Day" tariffs, set to target all countries with reciprocal duties, have already sparked considerable concern among economists and financial institutions. Experts at Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan predict that these tariffs will lead to higher inflation, slower economic growth, and an elevated risk of recession in the US. The sheer scale and breadth of these tariffs, affecting major trading partners and critical industries, create an environment of unpredictability that unsettles investors and compels them to seek protection against potential market downturns, a dynamic that typically drives the VIX upward. Adding to the market's unease are the growing geopolitical fault lines involving the US and both China and Iran. Trade disputes and strategic rivalry with China, coupled with President Trump's confrontational stance and threats of military action against Iran over its nuclear program, contribute significantly to global instability. These high-stakes international situations, fraught with the potential for escalation, naturally trigger investor anxiety and a flight to safety, further fueling expectations of increased market volatility as measured by the VIX. In conclusion, the combination of President Trump's aggressive trade policies and the mounting geopolitical risks presents a compelling case for a significant rise in the VIX. Market analysts have already observed this trend, and historical patterns during similar periods of uncertainty reinforce the expectation of heightened volatility. As investors grapple with the potential economic fallout from tariffs and the dangers of international conflicts, the VIX will likely serve as a crucial barometer, reflecting the increasing fear and uncertainty permeating the financial landscape.
CBOE:VIXLong
by UDIS_View
Is Gold Forming a Double Top?Gold prices surged once again toward the record high of 3,057, driven by safe-haven demand ahead of April, which brings renewed tariff threats and unfolds amid intensifying geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, the U.S., Yemen, Israel, and Gaza. Should gold prices retreat below this level, we may witness the formation of a potential double top pattern, with downside targets around 3,030, the 3,000 neckline, and further support levels at 2,955, 2,920, and 2,900. On the upside, a decisive close above 3,060 could trigger another leg higher, potentially setting a new record in alignment with the 3,080 level. From a monthly perspective, the RSI continues to flash reversal signals similar to those seen in 2024, 2020, 2011, and 2008—raising caution around gold’s elevated levels. While safe-haven demand may continue to outweigh overbought momentum, any shift toward peace could swiftly reverse gains, creating a double-edged sword scenario for the precious metal. Written by Razan Hilal, CMT
FOREXCOM:XAUUSD
by FOREXcom
Copper's Grip: Stronger Than Oil's?Is the U.S. economy poised for a red metal revolution? The escalating demand for copper, fueled by the global transition to clean energy, the proliferation of electric vehicles, and the modernization of critical infrastructure, suggests a shifting economic landscape where copper's significance may soon eclipse oil. This vital metal, essential for everything from renewable power systems to advanced electronics, is becoming increasingly central to U.S. economic prosperity. Its unique properties and expanding applications in high-growth sectors position it as a linchpin for future development, potentially rendering it more crucial than traditional energy sources in the years to come. This sentiment is echoed by recent market activity, with copper prices hitting a new record high, reaching $5.3740 per lb. on the COMEX. This surge has widened the price gap between New York and London to approximately $1,700 a tonne, signaling strong U.S. demand. However, this burgeoning importance faces a looming threat: the potential imposition of U.S. tariffs on copper imports. Framed under the guise of national security concerns, these tariffs could trigger significant economic repercussions. By increasing the cost of imported copper, a vital component for numerous domestic industries, tariffs risk inflating production costs, raising consumer prices, and straining international trade relationships. The anticipation of these tariffs has already caused market volatility, with major traders at a Financial Times commodities summit in Switzerland predicting copper could reach $12,000 a tonne this year. Kostas Bintas from Mercuria noted the current "tightness" in the copper market due to substantial imports heading to the U.S. in anticipation of tariffs, which some analysts expect sooner than previously anticipated. Ultimately, the future trajectory of the U.S. economy will be heavily influenced by the availability and affordability of copper. Current market trends reveal surging prices driven by robust global demand and constrained supply, a situation that could be further exacerbated by trade barriers. Traders are also anticipating increased industrial demand as major economies like the U.S. and EU upgrade their electricity grids, further supporting the bullish outlook. Aline Carnizelo of Frontier Commodities is among the experts forecasting a $12,000 price target. However, Graeme Train from Trafigura cautioned that the global economy remains "a little fragile," highlighting potential risks to sustained high demand. As the world continues its march towards electrification and technological advancement, copper's role will only intensify. Whether the U.S. navigates this new era with policies that ensure a smooth and cost-effective supply of this essential metal or whether protectionist measures inadvertently hinder progress remains a critical question for the nation's economic future.
COMEX:HG1!Long
by UDIS_View
EURUSD Contracts Ahead of Key Data and Trump’s "Liberation Day"The main scenarios from our earlier post remain unchanged. The 1.0800 support has shifted slightly lower to 1.0780. Trump's so-called "Liberation Day" is approaching, and it's creating downward pressure on EURUSD, despite weak U.S. data. Yesterday, consumer confidence fell to 92.90, marking the worst reading since the COVID shock, and the lowest since 2016 if you exclude that period. The magnitude of the drop is significant. EURUSD price action has now contracted into a very narrow range, suggesting that a major breakout is likely imminent. Which direction it will take remains unclear. This week’s PCE data will be important, but the main price driver will likely be the April 2 tariff announcement, or any early leaks or headlines leading up to it. 1.0780 has now become the short-term support level, while the updated trendline serves as the main resistance.
by ftdsystem
Trump to unveil auto tariffs at 4 p.m.President Trump will announce new tariffs on auto imports during a press conference in the Oval Office at 4 p.m. ET, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The headlines have weighed heavily on EUR/USD, pushing the pair to multi-week lows (now below 1.0750). However, it is hard to find sources that indicate that the tariffs announced today will apply to autos coming from Europe. Regardless of today’s announcement, Trump has promoted next week’s April 2 as D-Day for imposing reciprocal tariffs on all countries that maintain import duties on U.S. goods. So, the market might just be getting ahead of itself for good reason.
by BlackBull_Markets
Crude Oil Week AheadFrom a weekly time frame perspective, oil prices have continued to respect the boundaries of a declining channel since the 2022 highs, reaching three-year lows in 2025, in alignment with the long-standing support zone between $64 and $66 that has held since 2021. After recently rebounding from the $65 level, a decisive close below $63.80 would confirm further downside potential, opening the way toward key support levels at $60, $55, and, in more extreme scenarios, $49. If the support zone holds, resistance levels within the declining channel may come into play at $70.80, $72.60, $74.30, and $76. A breakout above the channel’s upper boundary and a sustained hold above $78 could shift the outlook to bullish, with potential resistance at $80, $84, $89, and the $93–$95 range. Despite a complex mix of OPEC quotas, U.S. policy shifts, Chinese economic dynamics, global growth uncertainty, renewable energy demand, and escalating geopolitical tensions, oil remains bearish and range-bound—awaiting a decisive breakout. Written by Razan Hilal, CMT
FOREXCOM:USOIL
by FOREXcom
1
Potenial inverse head and shoulders pattern for Bitcoin This is the scenario I’m believing in for the near term for BINANCE:BTCUSD . One more leg down to confirm the neckline around 78,300 USD. Quick reversal price action to retest the 92,300 USD (ish) level. If the breakout takes place to the upside, then I think we will retest the previous highs, with a higher probability of going much higher. Although I believe the tariffs will have a big impact on the USD (DXY index), which I believe will have a strong effect on BTC for the near term, around the coming 6 months. So, I believe the new high will most likely come in Q4 this year, making this cycle different from the historic crypto cycles. Although, there is still a chance that other countries will start to adopt more crypto-friendly policies for crypto or Bitcoin, making this thesis more uncertain. If the policies come out as positive, then I think there are good chances of reaching new highs earlier than Q4, 2025.
BINANCE:BTCUSDLong
by Mr_Anonymous_Investor
2 more reasons to buy gold? Israel is sending a delegation to Washington for strategic talks on Iran, while Trump has reportedly given Tehran a two-month deadline for a nuclear deal—so far, Iran isn’t engaging. So, the question is: Are we headed towards military conflict or a significant wave of sanctions? Meanwhile, protests erupted after Erdoğan’s main rival was arrested, triggering a sharp selloff in Turkish markets. The lira hit record lows, forcing the central bank to intervene with nearly $10 billion in currency sales. Turkey’s inflation remains elevated at 39%, with interest rates at 42.5%. Continued lira weakness could push inflation higher, forcing further rate hikes and adding to the country’s economic instability.
BLACKBULL:XAUUSD
by BlackBull_Markets
Ultimate summary of Powell’s comments today As expected, Powell reiterated that the Fed is in no rush to adjust rates, and the labour market is stable. He also reaffirmed the Fed’s reliance on hard data over sentiment and the approach of slowing balance sheet reduction. What’s different this time: Inflation & tariffs: Powell acknowledged that recent inflation upticks may be tariff-driven, delaying progress toward price stability. The Fed’s base case assumes tariff inflation is temporary. Economic sentiment: Consumer sentiment has weakened, partly due to Trump policy changes, and concerns over inflation are growing. Recession risk: Forecasts now lean toward weaker growth and higher inflation, with recession risks slightly elevated but still not high.
BLACKBULL:SPX500
by BlackBull_Markets
Gold Devours Stocks and Outshines Crypto with 40% Gains. Why So?Gold OANDA:XAUUSD has returned 40% in the past twelve months — that’s more than four times the S&P 500’s SP:SPX 9% increase. Besides leaving stock bros with a sour taste in their mouths, gold is also serving a cold dish of revenge to the crypto heads who had for years been slamming it for lack of appeal. It crushed the $3,000 mark last week, pumping to the rarefied air of $3,005 per ounce. The market’s digital gold — Bitcoin BITSTAMP:BTCUSD — is up 26% in the past year. Gold is certainly having a moment here with just about every star aligning for its upside swing. War tremors, inflation jitters, consumer uncertainty and lower interest rates have come together to make gold great again. Catch the drift? Yes, we mean US tariffs. Trump’s tariff drama is perhaps the biggest driver right now for the shiny stuff. Anxiety over gold getting slapped with a tariff has sent traders, dealers and investors scrambling to get more of it. The US President has floated some comments on gold but not to the point where he even remotely hints at imposing a tariff. Around the end of February, Trump said he suspects someone might’ve actually been stealing gold from Fort Knox. His remarks came after Elon Musk, designated as a “special government employee,” raised some alarming questions. “Who is confirming that gold wasn’t stolen from Fort Knox? Maybe it’s there, maybe it’s not,” Musk wrote on X . “That gold is owned by the American public! We want to know if it’s still there.” Trump chimed in and said in an interview they’re planning to visit Fort Knox soon. “We’re going to go into Fort Knox, the fabled Fort Knox, to make sure the gold is there. He added that “if the gold isn’t there, we’re going to be very upset.” Fort Knox is the equivalent of Scrooge McDuck’s impenetrable fortress full of gold collectibles. Only that Fort Knox staff doesn't backstroke through the piles of coins (or do they?). The vault holds a total of 147.3 million ounces worth roughly $430 billion today. To those who’re asking why not sell it and pay off some debt — America has a staggering $36 trillion debt burden . Selling gold to pay it off wouldn’t even return a blip on the chart. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (who’s also a hedge fund manager) the gold at Fort Knox is audited “every year” and “all the gold is present and accounted for.” All American gold is stored in a number of vaults, which collectively add up to a total of 261.5 million ounces (8,100 tons), according to Federal Reserve balances. That’s around a $770 billion piece of a market that’s worth nearly $20 trillion. So is the gold rush exaggerated and maybe a little overrated? In practice, gold is a pet rock with an added flair. It doesn’t generate yield, produce earnings or pay any form of interest to those who hold it. But gold has a solid history of being the ultimate store of value. Gold’s supply is more or less fixed as miners are only able to dig out about 1% to 2% a year at best. All the gold ever unearthed in the world is a little over 216,000 tons , according to the World Gold Council. One way to picture that is 64,200 Tesla Cybertrucks. Or, if we were to melt it all, it would be enough to form a cube that’s 25 yards (23 meters) on each side. You be the judge now — do you think gold is overpriced? Or are you a gold bug who believes that $3,000 could be the start of a new mega cycle for the precious metal? Share your comments below!
OANDA:XAUUSD
by TradingView
16
Soybeans: Deja Vu all over againCBOT: Micro Soybean Futures ( CBOT_MINI:MZS1! ) Let’s rewire the clock back for seven years. In 2018, trade tensions escalated between the US and China, resulting in a series of tariffs and retaliations. On July 6, 2018, US imposed a 25% tariff on $34 billion of Chinese imports. On the same day, China immediately hit back with 25% tariff on equal value of US goods. American soybeans were among the hardest hit by tariffs. The United States has been the largest soybean producer in the world. According to USDA data, American farmers produced 120 million metric tons of soybeans in 2017, contributing to 35.6% of the world production. About 48.2%, or 57.9 metric tons, were exported to the global market, making US the second largest soybean exporter after Brazil. China is the largest soybean consumer and importer. In 2017, it imported 94 million metric tons of soybeans, accounting for 61.7% of the global imports. Brazil and the US were the largest sources of China’s imports, with 53% and 34% shares, respectively. Tariffs on US soybeans punished American farmers. Total tariff level was raised from 5% to 30%. As a result, the FOB cost to Shenzhen harbor in southern China hiked up 700 yuan (=$110) per ton. This made US soybeans 300 yuan more expensive than imports from Brazil. Tariffs priced American farmers out of the Chinese market. According to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, China imported 1,164 million bushels of US soybeans in 2017. By 2018, China import dropped 74% to 303. While US exports recovered to 831 in 2019, it did not resume to the pre-tariff level until the signing of US-China trade agreement. CBOT soybean futures plummeted 15-20% in the months after the tariffs were imposed. US farmers incurred huge losses from both reduced sales and lower prices. The following illustration is an exercise of our mind, not from actual export data. • Without trade tensions, we assume exports of 1,164 million bushels each in 2018 and 2019, at an average price of $105 per bushel. This comes to a baseline export revenue of $244.4 billion for both years combined. • Tariffs lowered export sales to 1,134 million bushels for the two-year total, at an average price of $87. Thus, the tariff-impacted revenue data comes to $98.6 billion. • The total impact on soybean sales volume would be -51%, from 2,328 down to 1,134. • The total impact on export revenue would be -60%, from $244.4 to $98.6 billion. It is déjà vu all over again. In February 2025, the Trump administration announced 10% additional tariffs on Chinese goods. This was raised by another 10% in March, setting the total to 20%. To retaliate against US tariffs, China imposed import levies covering $21 billion worth of U.S. agricultural and food products, effective March 10th. These comprised a 15% tariff on U.S. chicken, wheat, corn and cotton and an extra levy of 10% on U.S. soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits and vegetables and dairy imports. This is just the beginning. In the last trade conflict, average US tariff on Chinese imports was raised from 4% to 19%. Now we set the starting point at 39%. How high could it go? From history, we learnt that this could go for several rounds before it settles. Trading with Micro Soybean Futures On March 11th, USDA published its World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. Both the U.S. and global 2024/25 soybean supply and use projections are basically unchanged this month, meeting market expectations. In the last week, soybean futures bounced back by about 2%, recovered most the lost ground since China first announced the retaliative measures. The latest CFTC Commitments of Traders report shows that, as of March 11th, CBOT soybean futures have total open interest of 810,374 contracts. • Managed Money has 101,927 in long, 109,849 in short, and 108,993 in spreading positions. • It appears that the “Small Money” spreads their money evenly, not knowing which direction the soybean market would go. In my opinion, the futures market so far has completely ignored the possibility of a pro-long trade conflict with China. • Seriously, ten percent is just the start. What if the tariff goes to 30% like in 2018? • How would soybean prices react to a 50% drop in US soybean exports? Anyone with a bearish view on soybeans could express it by shorting the CBOT micro soybean futures (MZS). These are smaller-sized contracts at 1/10 of the benchmark CBOT soybean futures. At 500 bushels per contract, market opportunities are more accessible than ever with lower capital requirements, an initial margin of only $200. Coincidently, Friday settlement price of $10.17 for May contract (MZSK5) is identical to the soybean futures price of $10.40 immediately prior to the 2018 tariff. History may not repeat, but it echoes . At the last time, the tariff on soybeans saw futures prices plummeting 20% within a month. If we were to experience the same, soybeans could drop to $8.00. This is a likely scenario if tariffs were to rise higher. Hypothetically, a decline of $2 per bushel would cause a short futures position to gain $1,000, given each micro contract has a notional of 500 bushels. The risk of short futures is the continuous rise in soybean prices. The trader would be wise to set a stoploss at his sell order. For example, a stop loss at $10.50 would set the maximum loss to $165 (= (10.50-10.17) x 500), which is less than the $200 initial margin. To learn more about all Micro Ag futures contracts traded on CME Group platform, you can check out the following site: www.cmegroup.com Happy Trading. Disclaimers *Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services. CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs tradingview.sweetlogin.com
CBOT_MINI:MZS1!Short
by JimHuangChicago
Will ES go more deeper ?The E-mini S&P 500 futures contract ( CME_MINI:ES1! ) exhibited a liquidation profile (Profile A), characterized by two distinct distributions. The subsequent session (Profile B) formed a balanced profile and remained entirely below the lower distribution of Profile A, indicating continued bearish sentiment. Profile C emerged as a short-covering profile, with its upper boundary testing the high of Profile B by a minimal margin. Both Profile B and C exhibited trading activity around the lower distribution of Profile A without breaching its low. Profiles A, B, and C established a base at the C Line, identified as a longer-term support or demand zone. Yesterday's session (Profile D) also presented a liquidation profile, briefly trading below the C Line before recovering and maintaining balance around this level. The market demonstrates reluctance for further downside, with lower prices consistently triggering short-covering rallies rather than initiating new selling. Even though Profile D traded lower, it did not exhibit significant selling conviction. Given the prevailing geopolitical risks, including the ongoing tariff disputes and the unresolved Ukraine-Russia conflict, further liquidation during today's Regular Trading Hours (RTH) remains a possibility. However, sustained buying interest above the balance of Profile C, driven by short covering and new long positions, would indicate a potential shift in market sentiment towards accumulation on a higher timeframe. The market's behavior during today's RTH session will be crucial in determining the next directional move.
CME_MINI:ES1!
by ruby_kinetix
A Huge Technical Re-Test of This Important TL Has Just Occurred!Trading Family, Tariff FUD is recking traders rn. After breaking important support which started in Nov. '24, I knew the SPY was in trouble. My first target down was 563. We hit that and broke it. My second target down was 550. We are there right now! Will it hold? I don't know. TBH, I don't think any analyst that is honest knows. Investors have never seen Tariffs levied like they have been recently by the Trump admin. Noone really knows how this is going to impact the current economy, which is now global (big diff from the last U.S. tariff econ in the late 1800's). But I can say that this is a big support which is the neckline of our large long-term Cup and Handle pattern started all the way back in Jan. of 2022! We did have one retest already. Usually, this is all that is needed. But apparently, the market wants another. Though the support is strong, remember, every time it is tagged, it weakens. Thus, if it can't hold this current downturn, I suspect it will drop hard from here should it break, possibly dropping all the way to 460. Be prepared for this and watch your trendline closely! On the other hand, if it holds, I see a huge bounce incoming! We'll probably then go all the way back up to test the underside of that support (red with two with lines) that we broke. Hold on to your hats! We are living in unprecedented times with unprecedented market volatility. The last item to note is that, once again, this all seems to be occurring at the same time that U.S. congress and senate are voting on a continuing resolution. Correlation does not necessarily equal causation however, in this case, I would suggest that should a U.S. gov't shutdown occur, our support will break and down we'll go. Should a CR pass, big bounce incoming. Stay tuned and watch the news closely for this. It seems to be a news driven event. ✌️ Stew
AMEX:SPY
by stewdamus
2
Booze Wars... How DAX could react?Now it's time for US and EU to have their public tariff battle. Given that wine, champagne and beer are a huge part of EU export into the US, there might be some pain felt among the MARKETSCOM:DE30 bulls. Let's dig in. XETR:DAX Let us know what you think in the comments below. Thank you. 74.2% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of investments may fall as well as rise and the investor may not get back the amount initially invested. This content is not intended for nor applicable to residents of the UK. Cryptocurrency CFDs and spread bets are restricted in the UK for all retail clients.
MARKETSCOM:DE30
by Marketscom
8
EURUSD: Trump’s trade war crosses the Atlantic You may be sick of hearing about tariffs, but they are currently the catalyst for a huge amount of volatility in the market and a huge amount of trading opportunities. And now Trump’s trade war has crossed the Atlantic Today, the European Union announced retaliatory tariffs on approximately €26 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to President Donald Trump's recent increase in tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Targeted products include Harley-Davidsons, bourbon, and jeans—key American exports that have been caught in previous trade disputes. The EU has said it remains open to negotiation but has not ruled out further action. In response, Trump vowed to retaliate, stating, “Of course I’m going to respond.” The daily chart for the EUR/USD shows the pair could fall into a larger corrective decline, given overbought RSI conditions.
by BlackBull_Markets