The global financial markets are experiencing a downturn due to US tariffs imposed by President Trump, raising fears of an escalating trade war and potential global recession.

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has raised concerns that Donald Trump’s tariffs may soon affect the supply of medicines in the UK, amidst ongoing issues in international medicine production and distribution.

Tuesday’s newspapers are, unsurprisingly, focused on the market chaos caused by last week’s US tariffs. Several headlines look at the growing trade war between the two largest economies in the world as China retaliated with their own tariffs on the US – which led to Donald Trump telling them to back down from their tariffs or face a further 50% tariff on Wednesday. China has said it won’t back down. 

Tuesday’s headlines continue to be dominated by the ongoing chaos caused by Donald Trump’s tariffs, especially since the US president announced that if China doesn’t retract its retaliatory tariffs, the US will impose a further 50% tariff on China – on top of the initial tariff slapped on the country. China has hinted that if Trump goes ahead with more tariffs on China, it will respond with even more tariffs, and it won’t back down. 

Much of the coverage looks at the global stock markets and their reaction. Almost $6 trillion has been wiped off the markets since the tariffs were announced last week. On Monday, the FTSE, Wall Street and the Asia-Pacific suffered heavy losses, with the S&P 500 set to enter a bear market after a 20% fall since December. The chaos has economists predicting a global recession. 

The UK stock markets are predicted to open about 2% higher today after a more positive performance from Asian markets. European and UK shares are expected to see a rebound when trading starts at 08:00 BST this morning. 

Elsewhere, a British woman gave birth to a healthy baby girl after having a womb transplant – a first for UK medicine that could benefit thousands of others.

The King and Queen have arrived in Italy for a state visit where they will meet with the Italian president and prime minister, and Charles will deliver a speech to both houses of Italy’s parliament. Prince Harry is also back in the headlines as the royal returns to Britain for a two-day court case regarding his security. 

China has responded to President Trump’s threat of a 50% tariff on its imports by stating it will “fight to the end” and take countermeasures to protect its interests. The Commerce Ministry condemned the U.S. actions as “completely groundless” and labelled them as unilateral bullying.

Germany’s leadership in Europe has weakened following Angela Merkel’s retirement, leaving Olaf Scholz’s government operating as a caretaker amid crises, including economic pressures and geopolitical tensions.