Taiwan’s Taiex index was down 4.2%, the worst performer among major Asia-Pacific market indexes. The Nikkei 225 fell 4.1%, while South Korea’s KOSPI dropped 3.0%.

Asia-Pacific markets decline on Monday, taking cues from a negative lead on Wall Street, as investors prepared for new US tariffs this week. Meanwhile, investors assess data showing China’s manufacturing activity expanded at its fastest pace in a year in March,

Asia-Pacific markets were set to mostly fall Monday ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's fresh round of tariffs expected later in the week. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 started the day 1.37% lower.