Updates to market close
SHANGHAI, April 2 (Reuters) - China and Hong Kong stocks ended roughly flat on Wednesday, as markets awaited further directions from U.S. President Donald Trump's new reciprocal tariffs on global trading partners.
** China's blue-chip CSI 300 Index .CSI300 ended lower by 0.1% and the Shanghai Composite Index .SSEC rose 0.1%, while the Hong Kong benchmark Hang Seng .HSI was unchanged.
** The White House confirmed on Tuesday that Trump will impose new tariffs on April 2, though it provided no details about the size and scope of trade barriers that have investors fretting about an intensifying global trade war. An announcement is scheduled on Wednesday for 4 p.m. EDT (2000 GMT).
** Since taking office in January, Trump has already levied 20% tariffs on Chinese imports. In March, China had retaliated against some U.S. tariffs.
** "Much will hinge on Trump's tone – whether he signals openness to negotiations or doubles down on more confrontation," said Philip Wee, senior FX strategist at DBS.
** "Risk aversion will take hold if the U.S. tariffs are broad and aggressive, with a second wave of volatility expected should China and the EU respond swiftly with retaliatory measures," he said.
** Financial .CSIFN shares, up 0.7%, led gains in China, while tech majors traded in Hong Kong .HSTECH rose 0.4%.
** The CSI defence index .CSI399973 fell 1.7%.
** "Hong Kong should be relatively insulated from the impact of Trump's reciprocal tariff, as the city neither imposes tariffs on U.S. imports, nor maintains a trade surplus with the U.S.," said Tommy Xie, head of Asia macro research at OCBC.
** But "Hong Kong as a regional trading hub and transshipment centre, will still be hurt by tariff-related disruptions," Xie said.
** Shares of Chinese smartphone-to-electric vehicle maker Xiaomi Corp 1810.HK fell to a six-week low amid concerns over a fatal EV crash.
(Reporting by Shanghai Newsroom; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala)
((li.gu@tr.com))
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