JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warns Donald Trump’s tariffs could trigger recession

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said on Wednesday that sweeping tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump will probably lead to a recession and defaults by borrowers, he told Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria.

“So long as you have rates going up… inflation is sticky and credit spreads are gapping out, which they’re going to, I think you’ll see more credit problems,” Dimon said.

Dimon urged fast progress on trade negotiations with US trading partners in order to calm markets, which have been roiled by tariff announcements.

“I hope what they really do is… get those things done quickly,” he said, referring to trade negotiations between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other nations. “If they want to calm down markets, show progress on those things.”

Dimon, 69, is one of the most prominent voices in corporate America and has regularly been consulted by administrations during times of crisis. His name was floated for senior economic roles in government during the 2024 presidential campaign, including Treasury secretary, but he stayed put at the bank.

“I’m taking a calm view, but I think it could get worse if we don’t make some progress here,” Dimon said.

JPMorgan’s economists raised the risk of a US and global recession this year to 60 per cent from 40 per cent after Trump unveiled the trade barriers.

US stock index futures fell sharply on Wednesday after China announced more levies on US goods, retaliating to President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs that took effect earlier in the day. US stocks were also expected to open sharply lower today.

The world’s second largest economy would impose additional tariffs of 84 per cent on all US goods from April 10, up from the 34 per cent previously announced, China’s finance ministry said.

Dimon also said that the economy is facing considerable turbulence and tariffs will have lasting negative consequences in his annual letter published on Monday.

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