US President Donald Trump’s trade policy has significantly affected not only traditional markets, but also the cryptocurrency sector. Bitcoin and other digital assets have responded to the uncertainty surrounding tariff measures with declines and temporary recoveries. What impact has the trade war had on the world’s largest cryptocurrency and how have altcoins dealt with it?
Tariffs rocked markets: Bitcoin and stocks under pressure
The tariffs imposed by China and the European Union on US goods have already caused turbulence in the markets on March 10 and 12. In response to the escalation of the trade conflict, bitcoin first weakened, only to recover to USD 88,000 on 24 March. However, this level did not last long and the value of bitcoin fell again to USD 84 000. Uncertainty about future tariff measures led to high volatility not only in cryptocurrencies but also in stock markets.
Trump’s tariffs, which went into effect on March 4, included a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian goods, 10% on Canadian energy and 20% on Chinese products. A day later, the administration announced a suspension of tariffs on the auto industry and then eased measures on Canada and Mexico on March 6. However, the situation was further escalated by China, which responded with retaliatory tariffs, to which Trump responded with a 24% tariff on aluminium and steel.
Trump’s tariffs also hit his own investments in cryptocurrencies
Meanwhile, the Trump family itself has significant investments in cryptocurrencies through the World Liberty Financial (WLFI) fund. The fund’s March results were mixed – while some altcoins, such as Mint (MNT) and Tron (TRX), held their value, others saw declines. Thus, unpredictable trade policy has also impacted Trump’s own interests in digital assets.
At the end of March, markets – both traditional and cryptocurrency – weakened again. Investors braced for Trump’s promise to impose “mirror tariffs” on all countries that apply tariffs on US goods. The move was to be part of the so-called Emancipation Day on April 2, further deepening uncertainty in the markets. The future development of bitcoin and other assets thus remains closely tied to geopolitical decisions made by the White House.
