TOKYO, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Japan's key stock index fell on Thursday, with the sell-off triggered by the U.S. announcement of a 25-percent tariff on imported automobiles, including Japanese-made vehicles.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, closed at 37,799, down 227 points, or 0.6 percent from the previous day.
The expanded U.S. tariff raised concerns over the negative impact on corporate earnings, leading to a broad sell-off in auto stocks. With a key sector of the Japanese economy under pressure, market sentiment has darkened.
Auto stocks faced heavy selling, with Mazda dropping as much as 7 percent during trading, while Toyota and Honda both closed 2 percent lower.
Technology stocks also saw significant declines, particularly semiconductor-related shares.
The broader Tokyo Stock Price Index (TOPIX) edged up, gaining 2.58 points, or 0.09 percent, to close at 2,815.47. ■
