U.S. markets slumped Tuesday as China’s Commerce Ministry banned dealings with five subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean. The move signals Beijing’s willingness to target third-country firms assisting Washington’s shipbuilding efforts, causing Nasdaq futures to tumble 1.3% premarket.
Nasdaq futures tumbled 1.3% in premarket trading Tuesday as China’s Commerce Ministry launched a sweeping shipping ban against subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean, dramatically escalating trade tensions with Washington. The ban specifically targets five Hanwha Ocean subsidiaries and represents what analysts call China’s “weaponization of shipbuilding” against third-country firms supporting U.S. maritime interests.
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