Published on: 10/02/2025
Cryptocurrency Markets: A Tale of Tariffs and Tremors
Notably, cryptocurrency markets experienced a brief turmoil following the announcement of new tariffs on aluminum and steel by US President Donald Trump. Amid escalating US trade tensions, the latest 25% tariffs are aimed at any steel coming into the United States and aluminum imports, according to a recent report. This period of volatility led to a temporary dip in the crypto markets, casting a wave of uncertainty among investors worldwide.
As trade wars escalate, the reciprocal tariffs proposed by the White House on countries that place excessive import fees on US goods only add fuel to the fire. The President stated the evident disproportion, with US goods being subject to a 130% charge while levying none on imported goods, is not going to stay that way. Following the declaration, crypto markets took a hit. It was a red-zone scenario with losses across the board.
However, akin to the phoenixs rise, Bitcoin (BTC), the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, made a notable recovery. After a slight drop to $94,000 in the wake of the tariffs, it rebounded past the $97,000 mark, based on data from CoinMarketCap.
In the same vein, Ether (ETH) too showcased resilience, nearly returning to its pre-tariff levels. After a low point of $2,537, Ether climbed back to $2,645. It wasnt a solo performance; the total crypto market cap followed suit, rebounding from $3.10 trillion to $3.13 trillion, regaining some ground after the initial dip.
One of the vital meters monitoring the crypto market, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index, remained in the fear arena for the past week, with an average rating of 44 out of 100. The score dropped down to 43 from 46 in the latest update, indicating a sustained level of investor unease in the market.
Trumps proposed plans to introduce further tariffs on a range of goods, from oil and gas to superconductors and copper, have the potential to impact the markets significantly. Earlier this month, the announcement of 25% tariffs on primary trading partners Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China triggered a crash in the stock and crypto markets.
Estimates by Bybit co-founder and CEO Ben Zhou suggest that these measures might have led to a staggering $8 billion to $10 billion of liquidations. Despite the tumultuous scenario, the crypto market made a comeback after the tariffs on Mexico and Canada were suspended for a month. But the period of calm may be deceptive as Trump has not ruled out the possibility of reprieve once the pause period expires.
In conclusion, the recent events underscore the susceptibility of the crypto market to global economic shifts and trade policies. They flag significant concerns about the markets volatility, yet the swift recovery also highlights the inherent strength and adaptability of cryptocurrencies. For investors, these complex dynamics necessitate a well-rounded strategy that can effectively manage risks and seize arising opportunities. After all, in the fast-paced cryptocurrency segment, a well-analyzed move today can sow the seeds of remarkable gains tomorrow.