Trump Raises Global Tariff to 15% — Bitcoin Holds Steady
US President Donald Trump raised a previously announced 10% global tariff to 15%, effective immediately, citing the Commerce Expansion Act of 1962 and the Trade Act of 1974. Legal questions remain about tariff scope under IEEPA, but markets showed muted reaction. Despite earlier volatility from tariff announcements, Bitcoin (BTC) remained resilient — trading around $67k–$68k with little net change and spot BTC ETFs in the US recording solid inflows after Presidents’ Day. Ether (ETH) showed no significant movement. Total market capitalization excluding BTC and ETH (Total3) fell less than 1% and traded at roughly $713 billion. Technical indicators point to a near-term BTC downtrend (RSI ~34–38, bearish Supertrend, EMA20 near $71k) with supports at ~$64.5k and $60k, and resistances at ~$69.4k and $71k. Analysts note institutional buying continues despite elevated search interest for negative scenarios. This development appears to have neutral immediate market impact, though traders should monitor ETF flows, macro headlines, and BTC technical levels for short-term volatility.
Neutral
The tariff increase to 15% is a material macro policy move, but the crypto market — particularly Bitcoin — showed limited immediate reaction. Key reasons for a neutral classification: 1) Market data shows BTC price remained near $67k–$68k with spot ETF inflows, signaling continued institutional demand that can offset macro shocks. 2) Broad crypto market cap (Total3) fell less than 1%, indicating low systemic stress. 3) Technical indicators are mildly bearish (RSI in the mid-30s, bearish Supertrend, EMA20 above price), implying vulnerability to downside but not an acute sell-off trigger. 4) Historical precedent: prior tariff or political headlines produced short-lived volatility when not paired with a major liquidity shock; markets stabilized when institutional flows persisted. Short-term implications: heightened volatility risk around news and ETF flow updates; traders should watch support at ~$64.5k and $60k and resistances near $69.4k/$71k for trade signals. Long-term implications: if tariffs materially slow economic growth or trigger broader risk-off, crypto could face sustained pressure, but current institutional accumulation and ETF adoption remain bullish structural factors. Overall, immediate impact is neutral with conditional downside risk if macro conditions deteriorate.