Trump's 15% Global Tariff Hike Ignites Crypto Sell-Off

President Trump's bold move to hoist global tariffs to 15% sent shockwaves through markets, dragging Bitcoin near $64,000 in a risk-off frenzy on February 23. Cryptocurrencies joined equities in retreat as trade war anxieties flared, erasing recent optimism. Investors fled volatility for gold's embrace, exposing crypto's vulnerability to policy pivots.02

The tariff announcement, evolving from reciprocal measures post-Supreme Court rulings, triggered a broad sell-off. Business Standard reported Bitcoin closing at $64,737, down 4.57% with $28.8 billion in volume, while Ethereum shed 5.6% to $1,860. Altcoins suffered worse, Solana and XRP down 6-9%, amid $458 million in liquidations—92% longs.2 CNBC noted Bitcoin's 3-5% drop to $65,167, part of a 26% year-to-date slide from October 2025 highs above $125,000. Factors included U.S. military escalations and Fed nominee concerns, with low liquidity amplifying moves. The Fear and Greed Index at 5 signaled capitulation, yet whales accumulated 230,000 BTC over three months, hinting at a potential V-reversal.0 X chatter from Business Standard linked the dip directly to tariffs, while Crypto Tony flagged a volatile week ahead with consumer data, Nvidia earnings, PPI inflation, and 11 Fed speeches. Analysts eye resistance at $67,000-$68,500 for Bitcoin, with $60,000-$62,000 as downside if $64,000 fails. Ethereum faces $1,950 hurdles. Strategic observers note policy uncertainty boosts short-term pain but could stoke inflation hedges long-term, positioning Bitcoin as a beneficiary beyond the storm.

Crypto investors face amplified swings and ETF outflows, with tariffs risking inflation and trade disruptions that hammer risk assets. Short-term, it squeezes portfolios, but strategic minds see accumulation zones amid fear, as historical patterns favor recoveries post-extremes. Regulatory shadows grow, demanding diversified vigilance.

Navigating tariff turbulence calls for strategic patience—trim risks now, eye dips for entries. As volatility peaks mid-week, resilient positioning could capture the rebound when clarity emerges. Crypto's macro entanglement demands savvy adaptation.

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