Bitcoin and Ethereum fall: everyone is waiting for Trump's next move on tariffs.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are correcting amid uncertainty over Donald Trump's potential imposition of new tariffs on more than 100 countries. 

The price of Bitcoin hovered around $108.700 on Tuesday, July 8, while Ethereum, which corrected 2,5% in the last 24 hours, hit $2.520. Other altcoins such as Dogecoin, Solana, and Cardano also saw some declines, amid geopolitical tensions and expectations surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming tariff policy announcements.

According to multiple reports, the 90-day tariff truce established by the Trump administration expires on Wednesday, July 9. Therefore, new tariffs affecting more than 100 countries could go into effect as of that date, according to letters sent by the White House. 

Additionally, the US president has announced a 10% tax on nations that, in his words, align with the "anti-American policies" of the BRICS bloc, which includes China, India, Russia, and Brazil. This trade tightening has generated a new climate of caution and uncertainty among investors, affecting risky assets. 

Cryptocurrencies, which tend to react strongly to macroeconomic events, have become a thermometer of global uncertainty. In recent weeks, they have recorded liquidations millionaires in the crypto market, with more than $300 million in positions closed in a single day.

Trump, tariffs, and the domino effect on digital assets

Trump's trade policy not only affects traditional commerce. It also has direct repercussions on financial markets and, by extension, the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The announced tariffs, which could reach up to 70% in some cases, have been interpreted by analysts as putting pressure on the dollar, which could lead to inflation and greater volatility in risky assets.

Bitcoin, for its part, has shown a growing correlation with geopolitical movements. While some analysts warn of a possible correction toward $100.000, others believe the parent cryptocurrency could reach a new all-time high if a postponement of tariffs is interpreted as a positive sign for risk appetite.

Analysts at UBS Global Wealth Management believe that if the United States postpones tariffs again, markets could interpret this action as a reluctance to implement them, which would support risk appetite. This view is shared by other industry experts, such as Markus Thielen, director of research at 10x Research, who believes that post-July 4th seasonality could propel Bitcoin to new highs.

Ethereum, on the other hand, is facing additional pressure. According to analyst Ali Martinez, a drop to $1.160 could be triggered if ETH fails to hold its key support levels. However, this negative technical outlook and the regulatory uncertainty surrounding the crypto ecosystem in the United States are tempered by the fact that next week marks the start of "Cryptocurrency Week," during which Congress is expected to debate three key bills for the market and its disruptive innovation, starting on July 14.

Opportunities in a world of trade wars

Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, altcoins are also feeling the impact of trade tensions. Cryptocurrencies such as Solana, Cardano, XRP, and Dogecoin, which are among the most capitalized in the market, have seen declines of between 1% and 3%, while some meme coins linked to political figures have lost up to 10% of their value.

However, amid the volatility, some analysts also anticipate opportunities, considering that in emerging markets affected by tariffs, Cryptocurrencies could act as a hedge against the devaluation of local currencies. and restrictions on cross-border payments. Bitcoin and stablecoins, for example, have gained prominence as a store of value and an alternative to the physical dollar in countries with limited access to foreign currency, respectively. 

The use of DeFi platforms is also expected to increase in regions where trade sanctions hinder access to traditional banking services. In this sense, cryptocurrencies could establish themselves as parallel financial infrastructure, especially in countries facing high tariffs or exclusion from the SWIFT system.

However, the outlook remains uncertain. The lack of bilateral agreements between the United States and key partners such as Japan, South Korea, and the European Union has raised concerns in the markets. Although pacts have been signed with China, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, most countries have yet to reach final commitments. 

What's next for Bitcoin and Ethereum

With the expiration of the tariff truce just around the corner, the next few days will be crucial for the crypto market. Trump has shown flexibility in implementing tariffs, delaying deadlines and extending truces, which has created an environment of prolonged uncertainty.

Some countries could receive a few weeks' extension to negotiate before the tariffs take effect on August 1, which could temporarily calm the markets. But if no agreements are reached, a new wave of volatility is expected that could affect both cryptocurrencies and traditional markets.

In this context, investors should pay close attention to official announcements and market signals. The "Cryptocurrency Week" in Washington, the performance of Bitcoin ETFs, and the Federal Reserve's decisions will be key factors in defining the direction of digital assets in the short term.

What's clear is that uncertainty dominates the current landscape, although it's also opening the door to new opportunities. In a world where the rules of global trade are constantly changing, cryptocurrencies have the potential to establish themselves as a safe haven, a tool for hedging risks, and a driver of financial innovation. Trump's next move will be crucial, and the crypto market, true to its nature, will be ready to adapt and react.