Bitcoin Drops to $94,000 as Tariff Decisions Trigger Market Slump
Over the weekend, the cryptocurrency market saw a sharp increase in volatility following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada. On Monday, February 3, Bitcoin experienced its most significant price drop in months, with the world’s leading cryptocurrency losing almost 7% of its value. According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin fell to $94,303 (approximately Rs. 82 lakh), down from its previous price of $104,002 (roughly Rs. 90.1 lakh) before the tariff decision. On Indian exchanges like BuyUcoin, BTC saw a smaller drop of around 5%, trading at $101,116 (roughly Rs. 88 lakh).
Ether Faces Even Bigger Losses
Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, faced even steeper declines than Bitcoin. On international platforms, ETH dropped by 19.51%, bringing its price down to $2,497 (around Rs. 2.17 lakh). Indian exchanges followed a similar trend, with Ether trading at $2,750 (roughly Rs. 23.9 lakh). The dramatic drop in Ethereum’s value underscores the broader market concerns, where macroeconomic factors are playing an increasingly influential role in digital asset valuations.
Market Reactions to Trump’s Tariff Decisions
The announcement of new tariffs set off a chain reaction in global markets, spilling over into the crypto space. Avinash Shekhar, co-founder of Pi42, explained that the performance of digital assets is heavily impacted by broader macroeconomic trends and investor sentiment. “The imposition of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China led to nearly $2 billion (roughly Rs. 17,425 crore) in liquidations across the crypto market, causing a widespread slump,” Shekhar stated. The market’s reaction highlights how sensitive cryptocurrencies are to political decisions, especially in the context of global trade tensions.
A Bleak Outlook for Crypto Assets
As global markets adjust to the implications of new tariffs, the outlook for cryptocurrencies remains uncertain. The price fluctuations of Bitcoin and Ether reflect the broader economic climate, where the confidence of investors is deeply influenced by geopolitical developments. The recent price drops have left many wondering whether this trend will continue, especially if other international policies contribute to ongoing instability in the market. For now, investors will need to navigate a landscape where digital assets remain highly volatile, with external factors continuing to play a significant role in their valuation.
