Currency news / April 3, 2025

Tariffs unleash chaos

3 min read Thanim Islam

Thanim IslamApril 3, 2025

Market snapshot:

Markets in risk-off mode following tariff announcement
EU and China vow countermeasures

Yesterday's currency recap

Trump's tariff announcements last night rippled through markets driving stocks lower and bonds higher. USD lost further ground, with JPY sweeping up save haven flows. This morning, GBP is also favoured, given the UK has come out relatively unscathed with only 10% tariffs compared to its peers. The base line of tariffs was announced as 10% on all imports to the US, with additional tariffs on around 60 countries. China now has a total of 54%, the EU 20%, Vietnam 46%, and Cambodia 49%. No additional tariffs were imposed on Canada and Mexico. Both China and Europe have already announced that they are preparing countermeasures.

Today's GBP rates

Currency pair	Daily move*	Indicative rate**
GBPAUD	-0.01%	2.0582
GBPCAD	0.40%	1.8497
GBPCHF	0.20%	1.1406
GBPDKK	-0.28%	8.924
GBPEUR	-0.28%	1.196
GBPJPY	0.63%	192.919
GBPNOK	-0.23%	13.506
GBPNZD	-0.40%	2.2662
GBPSEK	-0.70%	12.9157
GBPUSD	0.33%	1.2921

*Daily move - against G10 rates at 7:30am, 03.04.25
** Indicative rates - interbank rates at 7:30am, 03.04.25

Key data points

Currency	Event	Period	Consensus	Previous
USD	Initial Jobless Claims	Mar	226,000	224,000
USD	ISM Services	Mar	52.90	53.50
USD	ISM Prices Paid	Mar	63.00	62.60

What we think

The USD sell-off has continued this morning with GBPUSD and EURUSD now trading at their highest levels since October 2024. The EUR has erased last night's losses on the EU’s plans to retaliate, GBP is putting on gains, and so is JPY.

Markets are also pricing-in more rate cuts from the European Central Bank (ECB), Federal Reserve (Fed) and Bank of England (BoE) because of the tariffs and lower growth expectations. Markets are in a very cautious mood this morning and we wait to see additional developments over the next few days and if some of the tension is eased or further exacerbated.

It will be an interesting few days but we do consider the relative weakness of USD an excellent opportunity to buy the currency, as we are are wary of the potential for the Fed to turn more hawkish, touting the inflationary pressures tariffs will have on the economy.

See more about potential rate cuts from the ECB, Fed, and BoE here:

We specialise in currency guidance

Our team of currency experts are here to help you get more from your money when making international payments. We will work with you to understand your payment needs and offer specialised guidance on the best options available to you. Over the last 19 years we’ve helped over a million customers and last year alone processed over £12bn. We’re tried and trusted, and we’re ready to help you.

Have a great day.