Investing.com-- U.S. stock futures widened losses early Wednesday after reciprocal tariffs announced by President Donald Trump took effect, intensifying a global trade war and heightening fears of a global recession.

S&P 500 Futures dropped 2.7% to 4,885.0 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures also slumped 2.7% to 16,781.50 points by 01:57 ET (05:57 GMT). Dow Jones Futures slid 2.4% to 36,965.0 points.

Trump’s tariffs take effect, including 104% on China

President Donald Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs officially took effect at midnight Wednesday, marking a dramatic escalation in global trade tensions. The most significant measure includes a 104% cumulative tariff on Chinese imports—a combination of prior duties and a new 50% hike announced on Tuesday.

The move follows China’s retaliatory 34% tariffs and has effectively reignited a trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

Other notable tariffs included a 20% duty on the European Union, 24% on Japan, 46% on Vietnam, 25% on South Korea, and 32% on Taiwan.

The tariffs are part of a broader U.S. trade strategy that imposes steep levies on countries deemed to have unfair trade advantages.

The policy shift has rattled global markets, sparked retaliatory tariffs from key U.S. trade partners, and raised fears of a broader economic downturn.

Goldman Sachs analysts said the global recession risks were still not fully priced in by markets, despite an ongoing sell-off seen after April 2, signaling further declines ahead.

The S&P 500 closed 1.6% lower at 4,982.77 on Tuesday, marking its first close below the 5,000 threshold in nearly a year.