Crypto Markets Brace for Impact as Trump Imposes 100% Tariff on Chinese Imports

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 100% tariff on all Chinese imports starting November 1, 2025. This action responds to China’s newly imposed export controls on rare earth elements, intensifying global trade tensions.

Trump communicated this decision on Truth Social, justifying the tariffs as a countermeasure to aggressive Chinese policies. The Chinese government initiated new controls on rare earth minerals, prompting this substantial policy shift from the U.S. Donald Trump, Former President, USA, “Starting November 1st, 2025 (or sooner, depending on any further actions or changes taken by China), the United States of America will impose a Tariff of 100% on China, over and above any Tariff that they are currently paying.” source

The announcement led to sharp reactions in global markets, notably a more than 2% drop in the S&P 500. Major financial markets experienced a jolting day, marking one of the steepest slides this year.

Traders are closely watching financial shifts following the announcement. Historically, heightened geopolitical risks can increase volatility in equities and cryptocurrencies, leading to movement towards stable assets during trade tensions.

While direct impacts on cryptocurrencies remain unclear, previous trade wars have led to volatility in both equities and digital assets. However, there have been no specific statements from cryptocurrency leaders or exchanges as of now.

There could be opportunities for adjustments in the technology supply chain due to the focus on rare earths. Historically, tariff escalations trigger volatility in financial assets, and potential future impacts may emerge in the crypto and technology sectors.