Trump’s trade war shocks Bitcoin: prices plummet to below $82,000

On April 3, 2025, the cryptocurrency market experienced a seismic shift, Following President Donald Trump’s widespread announcement of tariff measures, the price of Bitcoin suddenly dropped to below $82,000. This sudden downturn has caused ripples in the digital asset space, prompting investors and analysts to reassess their outlook on Bitcoin prices for 2025. The direct impact of Trump’s tariffs on Bitcoin highlights the increasingly interconnected nature of the global financial markets and the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

According to CoinGecko’s data, the price of Bitcoin dropped to $80,637.74 on April 8, 2025, significantly down from recent highs. This sharp decline coincided with the ‘Liberation Day’ measures by the Trump administration, which imposed aggressive trade penalties on the US’s major trading partners. The cryptocurrency market’s reaction to these macroeconomic events highlights Bitcoin’s evolving role as a potential safe-haven asset and a global economic sentiment barometer.

The impact of tariffs on Bitcoin is not limited to price fluctuations. In the 24 hours following the announcement, the crypto market witnessed an astonishing 293 million in long positions and 293.Million long positions and220 million short positions were liquidated. This unprecedented volatility highlights the high sensitivity of the cryptocurrency market to geopolitical events and trade tensions.

As negotiations unfold and retaliatory measures emerge, the price of Bitcoin may continue to experience turbulence, challenging the Bitcoin 2025 price prediction model with such extreme policy shifts that may not have been previously considered.

Institutional Investors Flee: Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund Outflows Surge

The ripple effect of Trump’s tariffs is particularly pronounced in the institutional investment sector, with a significant outflow of funds from Bitcoin ETFs. The large-scale withdrawal of institutional capital marks a sharp contrast to the bullish trend observed at the beginning of the year, casting a shadow over long-term price predictions for Bitcoin in 2025. The rapid shift in investor sentiment highlights the fragile position of Bitcoin as a mainstream financial asset.

Financial analysis company data shows that after the tariff announcement, Bitcoin ETFs saw record outflows of funds. Given recent growth in institutional interest in cryptocurrency, this trend is particularly concerning. For example, Blackstone’s Bitcoin ETF accumulated $40 billion in assets after 211 days of launch and now faces the prospect of large withdrawals. The sudden increase in ETF outflows has not only affected Bitcoin’s price but also raised questions about the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies as institutional investment tools.
Institutional investors’ withdrawal from Bitcoin ETFs can be attributed to several factors, including intensified market volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and reassessment of risk allocation under the new tariff system. The shift in institutional sentiment poses a significant challenge to the price stability of Bitcoin, which, if not addressed, could lead to a prolonged bear market.

Silver lining: How a depreciating dollar drives Bitcoin

Despite Trump’s tariffs immediately having a negative impact on Bitcoin, some analysts point out that this may bring potential long-term benefits to cryptocurrency. It is expected that these tariffs will weaken the dominance of the US dollar in global trade, inadvertently potentially boosting the attractiveness of Bitcoin as an alternative store of value. This view brings a glimmer of hope for those looking for positive Bitcoin price forecast prospects for 2025.

The relationship between Bitcoin and the US dollar is complex and multifaceted. As the US dollar weakens, investors often seek alternative assets to preserve value, potentially boosting demand for Bitcoin. Furthermore, due to the economic slowdown caused by tariffs, the Federal Reserve may be forced to resume rate cuts. Lower interest rates typically benefit risk assets like Bitcoin by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding investments.

However, it must be noted that the weakening of the US dollar does not guarantee potential benefits for Bitcoin. In recent years, the correlation between cryptocurrency and traditional financial markets has increased, potentially weakening its status as a safe-haven asset. As COO Tracy Jin of the cryptocurrency exchange MEXC has warned, ‘This will raise questions about Bitcoin’s status as a safe-haven asset, potentially leading to a larger outflow of funds from ETFs’.

Bitcoin’s safe-haven status is in jeopardy: the correlation with gold intensifies

The recent market turmoil has put Bitcoin’s status as a safe haven asset under strict scrutiny. Traditionally touted as ‘digital gold,’ Bitcoin is often seen as a hedge against economic uncertainty. However, its performance in the sell-off triggered by tariffs has raised doubts about its ability to provide a reliable store of value in times of market stress.

Recent data shows that the correlation between Bitcoin and gold has significantly increased in recent months. This increased correlation is being driven by common factors such as inflation concerns and currency depreciation. Some investors see this alignment as positive, while others are concerned that it may weaken Bitcoin’s unique value proposition as an uncorrelated asset class.

The increasingly intense relationship between Bitcoin and gold is both a sword and a double-edged sword for investors. On the one hand, it may attract traditional investors seeking diversification beyond precious metals. On the other hand, it challenges the narrative of Bitcoin as a truly independent asset class, potentially limiting its appeal to those seeking unrelated returns in their investment portfolios.

As the market continues to digest the impact of Trump’s tariff measures, the role of Bitcoin as a safe-haven asset remains unclear. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether cryptocurrencies can maintain their reliable store of value status or increasingly move in sync with traditional risky assets.

Conclusion

The future of Bitcoin is uncertain, and Trump’s tariffs are reshaping the financial landscape. The resilience of cryptocurrencies is facing its most severe test to date, with institutional confidence shaken and safe-haven status under scrutiny. As the market adapts, the true potential of Bitcoin as a global economic force will emerge.
Risk Warning: Unexpected geopolitical events or regulatory changes may drastically alter the trajectory of Bitcoin, potentially leading to outcomes different from current predictions.