Japanese shares ended lower as risk-aversion gathered steam following President Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. The Nikkei Stock Average finished 2.7% lower at 38520.09.

Japanese stocks plunged, with the Nikkei average losing almost 3% at one point, after President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on the United States’ top three trade partners, threatening major economic disruption.

Japanese auto stocks fell sharply after new U.S. tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China raised concerns about their U.S. sales of cars made in the North American trading partners and a further escalation in trade conflicts.