Trump Hikes Global Tariffs to 15%: Crypto Markets on Edge

President Donald Trump announced a sharp increase in global import tariffs from 10% to 15%, effective immediately, just a day after a Supreme Court ruling challenged his trade policies. Citing legal validation from the decision on February 20, Trump framed the move as a response to decades of foreign exploitation. With exemptions for critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and energy products, the policy still broadens trade barriers amid Bitcoin's struggle around $67,000 and a Fear and Greed Index plunging to 14.

Market summaries from BitBabyEX highlighted the initial 10% tariff proclamation, set for February 24, listing exemptions for items like metals for currency, natural resources, and certain electronics to shield key supply chains. Pawnie's daily Web3 recap echoed this development alongside surging liquidations totaling nearly $181 million from over 79,000 traders. The escalation to 15% came via Trump's social media post, as reported by Jin10 and confirmed across outlets like Al Jazeera and BBC, positioning it as fully lawful post-Supreme Court scrutiny. This rapid policy shift overrides suspended measures under prior emergency powers, signaling Trump's aggressive stance on protectionism. Crypto traders face amplified macro headwinds; historical tariff escalations during his first term correlated with risk-off sentiment, pushing Bitcoin lower amid equity selloffs. Current volatility mirrors that, with dominance at 58% yet price action capped. Pawnie noted Bitcoin holding steady despite the noise, but extreme fear levels suggest potential for further dips if retaliation from trading partners like China materializes. Exemptions may temper supply disruptions for mining hardware, yet broader economic slowdown fears dominate trader chatter on X.

Escalating trade tensions could suppress risk assets like Bitcoin, prompting leveraged traders to de-risk through hedging or spot accumulation. Institutional flows might slow as global growth forecasts dim, exacerbating short-term pressure around key supports. For dip buyers, this creates high-conviction entry points if oversold conditions deepen, though prolonged uncertainty favors cash preservation over aggressive longs.

Trump's tariff escalation underscores persistent geopolitical risks for crypto portfolios. Traders should monitor retaliation and Fed signals closely while sizing positions conservatively. History shows such shocks often precede rebounds, positioning patient dip hunters for gains.

Sources: