Trump Imposes New Tariffs Impacting Global Crypto Markets

President Donald J. Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods on April 2, 2025, as part of his “America First” agenda, impacting global markets, including cryptocurrencies.

The tariff policy aims to boost US market access globally, inciting a crypto market sell-off due to increased economic uncertainty.

Trump Targets Imports with 25% Tariff

Donald J. Trump unveiled new tariffs targeting a wide spectrum of goods, part of his ongoing trade policy. The tariffs are intended to secure better access to international markets.

Trump’s executive order allows a 25% tariff on imports, focusing on sectors like pharmaceuticals and technology. This marks an escalation of tariff strategies from his first term. As President Trump stated, “Today, we declare ‘Liberation Day’ and deliver on our promise to put American workers first by imposing reciprocal tariffs on those who have unfairly targeted our markets. We expect access to global markets in return for our fairness.”

Crypto Market Sells Off Amid Tariff News

Crypto markets reacted sharply, with BTC and ETH prices falling by significant margins. Institutional stocks with crypto exposure faced declines between 6% and 9%.

Economic uncertainty increased, prompting a risk-off sentiment among investors. Tariffs may lead to higher inflation and impact both traditional and digital markets.

Broad Spectrum Tariffs Cause Economic Volatility

Precedent tariff actions under Trump previously caused volatility but were narrower in scope. This new round of tariffs promises a broader economic impact.

Historically, aggressive trade policies result in investment shifts. Experts foresee potential further downturns in speculative assets, given the current market conditions.