File photo: VCG

Tokyo stocks lost ground Monday morning amid concerns that Washington's unilateral protectionist trade policy may lead to a trade war.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fell 81.98 points, or 0.40 percent, from Friday to 20,535.88. 

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, dropped 12.30 points, or 0.74 percent, at 1,652.64.

Real estate, marine transportation and electric appliance-linked issues comprised those that declined the most by the morning break.