Crypto Market Tumbles $150 Billion Amid US-China Trade Tensions
The cryptocurrency market experienced a significant downturn, with Bitcoin and Ether leading the decline. The total market cap of cryptocurrencies dropped by $150 billion in 24 hours due to escalating US-China trade tensions. Bitcoin fell 4% to $111,200, while Ether dropped 7.8% to below $4,000. The selloff was triggered by China's retaliation against US measures targeting Chinese shipping and President Trump's threat of harsher tariffs. US Bitcoin and Ether ETFs saw $756 million in withdrawals, and crypto-related stocks like Japan's Metaplanet Inc. also suffered losses.

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The cryptocurrency market experienced a significant downturn, with Bitcoin and Ether leading the plunge amidst escalating US-China trade tensions. The total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies saw a staggering $150 billion wiped out in just 24 hours, highlighting the volatile nature of digital assets in response to global economic pressures.
Key Market Movements
Cryptocurrency | Price Change | Current Price |
---|---|---|
Bitcoin | -4.00% | $111,200.00 |
Ether | -7.80% | Below $4,000 |
Geopolitical Catalysts
The crypto selloff was triggered by a series of geopolitical events:
- China imposed restrictions on American units of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean Co., retaliating against US measures targeting Chinese shipping.
- President Trump's threat of harsher tariffs on China led to the liquidation of $19 billion in leveraged crypto positions.
Investor Reaction
The market turbulence prompted significant investor movements:
- US Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds saw withdrawals of $756 million on Monday.
- Japan's Metaplanet Inc., a crypto-related company, experienced a 12% stock price drop, reaching a five-month low.
- Notably, Metaplanet's enterprise value fell below its Bitcoin reserves for the first time, underscoring the impact of the crypto market decline on related businesses.
Market Implications
This sharp decline in the crypto market underscores the interconnectedness of digital assets with global economic and political events. The sensitivity of cryptocurrencies to US-China trade relations highlights the need for investors to closely monitor international developments when considering their crypto investment strategies.
As the situation continues to evolve, market participants will be watching for any signs of stabilization or further volatility in the crypto space, as well as potential ripple effects on traditional financial markets.