18 May 2025

Crypto Markets Brace for Tariff Shockwave from Trump

Angry Donald Trump, crypto market crash on the background - The Coinomist

President Trump is poised to announce reciprocal trade tariffs targeting U.S. trading partners. The expected April 2 reveal has injected fresh volatility into both global markets and the digital asset space.

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As April 2 approaches, markets are on high alert. Crypto traders in particular are weighing the potential fallout of Trump’s next tariff war move. Sources close to the administration suggest the measures could impact key import channels, increasing pressure across asset classes.

Dubbed Liberation Day, the event has led investors to model scenarios and prepare contingency plans across a range of potential tariff outcomes.

Although crypto prices showed modest gains on April 1, market participants are still operating in a fog of uncertainty. Most agree that any tariff-related headlines could spike market volatility: negative signals may force swift position unwinding, while positive developments could attract new capital inflows.

For now, the absence of concrete policy details from the White House keeps traders in a risk-averse holding pattern.

Tariffs Loom as Trump Plans Rose Garden Reveal

CNN confirms that President Trump is preparing to unveil new tariff measures during a press conference in the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday.

Wednesday, it will be Liberation Day in America, as President Trump has so proudly dubbed it,

proclaimed Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt.

The Guardian adds that while the content of the tariff policy remains undisclosed, diplomatic circles are bracing for backlash. Countries like China, Canada, and the EU may respond in kind—raising fears of a deeper trade conflict.

Across Washington, voices from both sides are warning that the move could further destabilize the already fragile global economic equilibrium.

Check this out: What Are Trump’s Tariffs: A New Blow to the Economy?

How’s the Market Reacting?

Right now, the crypto scene is giving off mixed vibes. BTC broke above $84K, up 3% on the day, and Ethereum isn’t far behind—it’s jumped over 5% and is closing in on $1,900.

BTC/USDT M15 Chart - The Coinomist
BTC/USDT, 15m. Source: WhiteBIT

Still, investors aren’t throwing caution to the wind. After hitting highs in January, Bitcoin took a dive—proof that volatility is still very much part of the game.

Discover more: Bitcoin Drops to $81K Ahead of Trump’s Potential Trade War Update

Crypto Watches the Fed as Rate Decisions Loom

Tariffs aren’t the only thing on the radar. The Federal Reserve’s policy moves could hit the crypto market just as hard this quarter. Two rate-setting meetings are coming up—one in May, another in June.

Right now, CME FedWatch shows a strong chance that the Fed will hold rates steady in May.

Target Rate Probabilities For 7 May Fed Meeting - The Coinomist
Fed target rate probability for May meeting, as of April 1, 2025. Source: CME Group

Still, in light of the Trump administration’s unpredictability, projections could shift rapidly in the weeks ahead. And as for June—uncertainty only deepens.

We’ll continue monitoring developments closely as the crypto market braces for the official announcement on new tariff measures.

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