Could U.S. Tariffs Trigger a Bullish Breakout for Bitcoin? Experts Weigh In

Bitcoin (BTC) posted modest gains on Tuesday, though the world’s leading cryptocurrency has yet to reclaim the $89,000 level, last seen on March 7. While many market participants point to growing trade tensions as a key driver of recent volatility, broader concerns had already been impacting sentiment before the latest round of U.S. tariff announcements.

Despite this, Bitcoin has managed to maintain support above the $80,000 threshold, with analysts crediting large-scale institutional activity—such as Strategy’s $5.25 billion in BTC purchases since February—as a major stabilising force.

Tariffs and Bitcoin: A New Bullish Catalyst?

Data shows that Bitcoin's upward momentum had already slowed ahead of the 10% tariff on Chinese imports announced on January 21. Now, markets are bracing for a more aggressive wave of U.S. tariffs, with President Donald Trump expected to unveil significant new trade duties as part of his broader economic agenda.

Ahead of Wednesday’s announcement, crypto markets have traded mixed, reflecting a cautious investor stance amid rising fears of a global trade war. Previous tariffs on steel, aluminium, automotive goods, and Chinese imports have already contributed to investor unease and uncertainty about future economic growth.

Crypto Industry Leaders Share Outlook on Bitcoin and Tariffs

Ahead of the announcement, experts in the crypto space offered insights into how new trade policies could affect Bitcoin price predictions and altcoin performance.

Martins Benkitis, CEO & Co-founder, Gravity Team:

“If these tariffs are implemented immediately, we’ll likely see negative pressure across all markets—crypto included. Altcoins could face the biggest losses. However, if the market reaction is muted or the tariffs are delayed, a relief rally could follow. Bitcoin, on the other hand, may benefit long-term due to its ‘digital gold’ status. If nations begin shifting from USD reserves into gold or BTC, tariffs could end up being a bullish driver for Bitcoin.”

10x Research Report Highlights BTC Growth Potential:

Recent analysis from 10x Research shows a strong correlation between global liquidity and Bitcoin price action. Without the current tariff headwinds, BTC may have been on track to rally 30% from its $87,000 level—potentially targeting $112,000 by mid-June.

Stephen Wundke, Director of Strategy & Revenue, Algoz:

“Markets dislike uncertainty, and with geopolitical risks rising, we’re likely to see more choppy trading in the short term. However, this volatility could simply delay, not derail, Bitcoin’s next major move. Unless Trump delivers another unexpected statement on crypto, investors should expect continued fluctuation. One thing’s clear—nothing out of the White House is predictable right now.”

(Sources: investing.com, reuters.com)