US President Donald Trump slapped steep tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels on Monday, measures that some feared could be just the beginning in a wider protectionist swing.

China and South Korea condemned the measure, with Seoul set to complain to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the "excessive" move.

The increased tensions drove traders to book profits on risky assets, fearful that the tariffs could weigh on global growth. High-yielding assets had kick-started the year with a rally in the wake of stronger-than-expected activity figures worldwide.

"Risk aversion appears to be dominating as market participants consider the implications of an escalation in trade tensions between the US and China," analysts at Scotiabank wrote in a client note.

The Mexican peso and the Brazilian real led the losses.

Mexico's currency was particularly vulnerable to protectionism talk as negotiations over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) dragged on.

A Reuters poll showed the peso would take a bigger hit if US President Donald Trump kills NAFTA than from an election victory for the country's left-wing presidential hopeful.

Meanwhile, investors in Brazil were cautious ahead of the trial of former President Luiz In?cio Lula da Silva, who is leading voting intention polls for this year's elections.

Lula has vowed to reverse part of President Michel Temer's reform agenda if elected, but he could be barred from running if a higher court upholds his conviction for corruption at trial on Wednesday.