Why is Bitcoin Going Down? China’s 34% Tariff Deepens Market Decline

Bitcoins

Friday, 04/04/2025 | 14:19 GMT by
Jared Kirui

  • The tariff announcement has led to a broader market sell-off, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling more than 2% and 3%, respectively.
  • The future direction of the trade war remains uncertain, with the U.S. and its allies, including the European Union, weighing their next moves.

bitcoins Huge bitcoin BTC logo in the front of speaking Donald Trumps

Global markets took a sharp hit today (Friday) after China
announced a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods, escalating tensions in the
ongoing trade war.

The move sent shockwaves through the global stock
markets and cryptocurrencies alike, with Bitcoin retreating from its early
gains to trade at $82,000 at the time of this publication. Investors are now bracing for further volatility as
fears of a prolonged economic standoff intensified.

Bitcoin and Stocks Take a Hit

China’s retaliatory tariffs, which came in response to
President Donald Trump’s decision to increase levies on Chinese imports to 54%,
spurred risk-off sentiment across global markets.

Bitcoin initially climbed to $84K before reversing
course, dropping 3% to $81K in the daily chart. Other cryptocurrencies,
including Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Dogecoin (DOGE), also erased their
early gains, according to CoinMaketCap data.

Bitcoin price chart, Source: CoinMarketCap

Equity markets saw a similar reaction. S&P 500 and Nasdaq tumbled more than 2% and 3%, respectively, following the announcement,
signaling another rough session for Wall Street. Investors rushed to reassess
the economic fallout from the escalating trade war.

China’s Counteroffensive in the Trade War

The Chinese government’s tariff hike represents one of
its strongest responses yet in the prolonged trade dispute. In addition to the
34% tariffs, Beijing imposed new export controls on certain rare earth
materials, Reuters reported.

It also lodged a formal complaint with the World Trade
Organization (WTO) and added 11 entities to its “unreliable entity”
list, effectively barring them from certain business operations in China.

Friday’s market rout extended beyond the U.S. to other
major economies. In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the tariff war
a “national crisis” as Tokyo’s stock market neared its worst weekly
performance in years.

LIBERATION DAY RECIPROCAL TARIFFS ???????? pic.twitter.com/ODckbUWKvO

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 2, 2025

European equities also posted significant losses, with
investors watching closely for the European Union’s next steps. Firms
such as Adidas, Puma, and Pandora have seen their stock prices tumble as the tariffs target Southeast Asia, where many of these companies manufacture their
goods.

What’s Next?

With China’s countermeasures now in place, all eyes
are on the next move from the U.S. and its allies. The European Union has yet
to take a unified stance, with officials debating whether to activate its
‘Anti-Coercion Instrument,’ a policy designed to counter economic pressure from
third countries.

EU ready to retaliate against Trump’s tariffs, says von der Leyen https://t.co/lmKbwj51NQ

— Financial Times (@FT) April 3, 2025

For now, markets
remain on edge, and traders are preparing for further turbulence. Whether a
resolution is near or if the trade war will continue to spiral remains a
pressing question for investors worldwide.

Global markets took a sharp hit today (Friday) after China
announced a 34% tariff on all U.S. goods, escalating tensions in the
ongoing trade war.

The move sent shockwaves through the global stock
markets and cryptocurrencies alike, with Bitcoin retreating from its early
gains to trade at $82,000 at the time of this publication. Investors are now bracing for further volatility as
fears of a prolonged economic standoff intensified.

Bitcoin and Stocks Take a Hit

China’s retaliatory tariffs, which came in response to
President Donald Trump’s decision to increase levies on Chinese imports to 54%,
spurred risk-off sentiment across global markets.

Bitcoin initially climbed to $84K before reversing
course, dropping 3% to $81K in the daily chart. Other cryptocurrencies,
including Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Dogecoin (DOGE), also erased their
early gains, according to CoinMaketCap data.

Bitcoin price chart, Source: CoinMarketCap

Equity markets saw a similar reaction. S&P 500 and Nasdaq tumbled more than 2% and 3%, respectively, following the announcement,
signaling another rough session for Wall Street. Investors rushed to reassess
the economic fallout from the escalating trade war.

China’s Counteroffensive in the Trade War

The Chinese government’s tariff hike represents one of
its strongest responses yet in the prolonged trade dispute. In addition to the
34% tariffs, Beijing imposed new export controls on certain rare earth
materials, Reuters reported.

It also lodged a formal complaint with the World Trade
Organization (WTO) and added 11 entities to its “unreliable entity”
list, effectively barring them from certain business operations in China.

Friday’s market rout extended beyond the U.S. to other
major economies. In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the tariff war
a “national crisis” as Tokyo’s stock market neared its worst weekly
performance in years.

LIBERATION DAY RECIPROCAL TARIFFS ???????? pic.twitter.com/ODckbUWKvO

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 2, 2025

European equities also posted significant losses, with
investors watching closely for the European Union’s next steps. Firms
such as Adidas, Puma, and Pandora have seen their stock prices tumble as the tariffs target Southeast Asia, where many of these companies manufacture their
goods.

What’s Next?

With China’s countermeasures now in place, all eyes
are on the next move from the U.S. and its allies. The European Union has yet
to take a unified stance, with officials debating whether to activate its
‘Anti-Coercion Instrument,’ a policy designed to counter economic pressure from
third countries.

EU ready to retaliate against Trump’s tariffs, says von der Leyen https://t.co/lmKbwj51NQ

— Financial Times (@FT) April 3, 2025

For now, markets
remain on edge, and traders are preparing for further turbulence. Whether a
resolution is near or if the trade war will continue to spiral remains a
pressing question for investors worldwide.

bitcoins Jared Kirui

  • 1892 Articles
  • 34 Followers

Jared is an experienced financial journalist passionate about all things forex and CFDs.

  • 1892 Articles
  • 34 Followers

Bitcoins
Finance Magnates Daily Update

Get all the top financial news delivered straight to your inbox. Stay informed, stay ahead.

Keep Reading

More from the Author

Trending

Featured Videos

Trading with XM: What You Need to Know | Full Review by Finance Magnates


Trading with XM: What You Need to Know | Full Review by Finance Magnates

Trading with XM: What You Need to Know | Full Review by Finance Magnates


Trading with XM: What You Need to Know | Full Review by Finance Magnates

In this video, we take a closer look at XM (@xmglobal ) a globally recognized online broker, serving over 15 million clients worldwide. We cover their trading model, account types, fees, and the different instruments available for trading. You’ll also learn about XM’s regulation, security, educational tools, and how their platforms work.

Watch the full video to get a detailed review and find out if XM is right for your trading style.

???? Don’t forget to check out the full XM Review Listing on the Finance Magnates Directory at: https://directory.financemagnates.com/forex-brokers/xmcom/

#XM #XMReview #Forex #FinanceMagnates #ForexBroker #forexreview #xmbrokerreview


In this video, we take a closer look at XM (@xmglobal ) a globally recognized online broker, serving over 15 million clients worldwide. We cover their trading model, account types, fees, and the different instruments available for trading. You’ll also learn about XM’s regulation, security, educational tools, and how their platforms work.

Watch the full video to get a detailed review and find out if XM is right for your trading style.

???? Don’t forget to check out the full XM Review Listing on the Finance Magnates Directory at: https://directory.financemagnates.com/forex-brokers/xmcom/

#XM #XMReview #Forex #FinanceMagnates #ForexBroker #forexreview #xmbrokerreview

In this video, we take a closer look at XM (@xmglobal ) a globally recognized online broker, serving over 15 million clients worldwide. We cover their trading model, account types, fees, and the different instruments available for trading. You’ll also learn about XM’s regulation, security, educational tools, and how their platforms work.

Watch the full video to get a detailed review and find out if XM is right for your trading style.

???? Don’t forget to check out the full XM Review Listing on the Finance Magnates Directory at: https://directory.financemagnates.com/forex-brokers/xmcom/

#XM #XMReview #Forex #FinanceMagnates #ForexBroker #forexreview #xmbrokerreview


In this video, we take a closer look at XM (@xmglobal ) a globally recognized online broker, serving over 15 million clients worldwide. We cover their trading model, account types, fees, and the different instruments available for trading. You’ll also learn about XM’s regulation, security, educational tools, and how their platforms work.

Watch the full video to get a detailed review and find out if XM is right for your trading style.

???? Don’t forget to check out the full XM Review Listing on the Finance Magnates Directory at: https://directory.financemagnates.com/forex-brokers/xmcom/

#XM #XMReview #Forex #FinanceMagnates #ForexBroker #forexreview #xmbrokerreview


More Videos

  • Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Introducing iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

  • Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025


    Crowd at iFX EXPO LATAM 2025

  • Maximising Broker Growth with B2CORE’s IB Module


    Maximising Broker Growth with B2CORE’s IB Module

    Maximising Broker Growth with B2CORE’s IB Module


    Maximising Broker Growth with B2CORE’s IB Module

    Maximising Broker Growth with B2CORE’s IB Module


    Maximising Broker Growth with B2CORE’s IB Module

    In this webinar recording, Morgan Williams, Product Director at B2Core, delivers a comprehensive overview of how B2Core’s IB module empowers brokers to build and scale their Introducing Broker (IB) programs.

    Discover how B2Core streamlines IB management, from efficient trader onboarding and automated commission tracking to providing IBs with powerful tools for growth. Morgan also addresses common challenges in scaling IB networks and showcases a real-world case study demonstrating B2Core’s impact.

    ???? Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow Finance Magnates across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates.

    Connect with us today: ???? LinkedIn: / financemagnates
    ???? Facebook: / financemagnates
    ???? Instagram: / financemagnates_official
    ???? X: https://x.com/financemagnates?
    ???? TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemag…
    ▶️ YouTube: / @financemagnates_official #B2Core #IBProgram #Brokerage #FinTech #PartnerProgram #AffiliateMarketing #FinancialServices

    Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!


    In this webinar recording, Morgan Williams, Product Director at B2Core, delivers a comprehensive overview of how B2Core’s IB module empowers brokers to build and scale their Introducing Broker (IB) programs.

    Discover how B2Core streamlines IB management, from efficient trader onboarding and automated commission tracking to providing IBs with powerful tools for growth. Morgan also addresses common challenges in scaling IB networks and showcases a real-world case study demonstrating B2Core’s impact.

    ???? Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow Finance Magnates across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates.

    Connect with us today: ???? LinkedIn: / financemagnates
    ???? Facebook: / financemagnates
    ???? Instagram: / financemagnates_official
    ???? X: https://x.com/financemagnates?
    ???? TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemag…
    ▶️ YouTube: / @financemagnates_official #B2Core #IBProgram #Brokerage #FinTech #PartnerProgram #AffiliateMarketing #FinancialServices

    Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!

    In this webinar recording, Morgan Williams, Product Director at B2Core, delivers a comprehensive overview of how B2Core’s IB module empowers brokers to build and scale their Introducing Broker (IB) programs.

    Discover how B2Core streamlines IB management, from efficient trader onboarding and automated commission tracking to providing IBs with powerful tools for growth. Morgan also addresses common challenges in scaling IB networks and showcases a real-world case study demonstrating B2Core’s impact.

    ???? Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow Finance Magnates across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates.

    Connect with us today: ???? LinkedIn: / financemagnates
    ???? Facebook: / financemagnates
    ???? Instagram: / financemagnates_official
    ???? X: https://x.com/financemagnates?
    ???? TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemag…
    ▶️ YouTube: / @financemagnates_official #B2Core #IBProgram #Brokerage #FinTech #PartnerProgram #AffiliateMarketing #FinancialServices

    Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!


    In this webinar recording, Morgan Williams, Product Director at B2Core, delivers a comprehensive overview of how B2Core’s IB module empowers brokers to build and scale their Introducing Broker (IB) programs.

    Discover how B2Core streamlines IB management, from efficient trader onboarding and automated commission tracking to providing IBs with powerful tools for growth. Morgan also addresses common challenges in scaling IB networks and showcases a real-world case study demonstrating B2Core’s impact.

    ???? Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow Finance Magnates across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates.

    Connect with us today: ???? LinkedIn: / financemagnates
    ???? Facebook: / financemagnates
    ???? Instagram: / financemagnates_official
    ???? X: https://x.com/financemagnates?
    ???? TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemag…
    ▶️ YouTube: / @financemagnates_official #B2Core #IBProgram #Brokerage #FinTech #PartnerProgram #AffiliateMarketing #FinancialServices

    Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!

    In this webinar recording, Morgan Williams, Product Director at B2Core, delivers a comprehensive overview of how B2Core’s IB module empowers brokers to build and scale their Introducing Broker (IB) programs.

    Discover how B2Core streamlines IB management, from efficient trader onboarding and automated commission tracking to providing IBs with powerful tools for growth. Morgan also addresses common challenges in scaling IB networks and showcases a real-world case study demonstrating B2Core’s impact.

    ???? Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow Finance Magnates across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates.

    Connect with us today: ???? LinkedIn: / financemagnates
    ???? Facebook: / financemagnates
    ???? Instagram: / financemagnates_official
    ???? X: https://x.com/financemagnates?
    ???? TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemag…
    ▶️ YouTube: / @financemagnates_official #B2Core #IBProgram #Brokerage #FinTech #PartnerProgram #AffiliateMarketing #FinancialServices

    Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!


    In this webinar recording, Morgan Williams, Product Director at B2Core, delivers a comprehensive overview of how B2Core’s IB module empowers brokers to build and scale their Introducing Broker (IB) programs.

    Discover how B2Core streamlines IB management, from efficient trader onboarding and automated commission tracking to providing IBs with powerful tools for growth. Morgan also addresses common challenges in scaling IB networks and showcases a real-world case study demonstrating B2Core’s impact.

    ???? Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading! Follow Finance Magnates across our social media platforms for news, insights, and event updates.

    Connect with us today: ???? LinkedIn: / financemagnates
    ???? Facebook: / financemagnates
    ???? Instagram: / financemagnates_official
    ???? X: https://x.com/financemagnates?
    ???? TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemag…
    ▶️ YouTube: / @financemagnates_official #B2Core #IBProgram #Brokerage #FinTech #PartnerProgram #AffiliateMarketing #FinancialServices

    Don’t miss out on our latest videos, interviews, and event coverage. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!

  • Elevate Your Visibility in Africa’s Trading Hub


    Elevate Your Visibility in Africa’s Trading Hub

    Elevate Your Visibility in Africa’s Trading Hub


    Elevate Your Visibility in Africa’s Trading Hub

    Elevate Your Visibility in Africa’s Trading Hub


    Elevate Your Visibility in Africa’s Trading Hub

    ???? Africa’s online trading industry is evolving fast—will you be at the forefront? ????

    FMAS:25 is where top industry leaders, fintech innovators, and traders connect.????Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your brand in Africa’s trading hub. Secure your spot today! ⏳

    ???? Exhibit Now ???? https://events.financemagnates.com/event/FMAS25/exhibit-sponsor

    #fmas25 #fintech #onlinetrading #forextrading #networking #finance #capetown #southafrica #summit #exhibitors #may2025


    ???? Africa’s online trading industry is evolving fast—will you be at the forefront? ????

    FMAS:25 is where top industry leaders, fintech innovators, and traders connect.????Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your brand in Africa’s trading hub. Secure your spot today! ⏳

    ???? Exhibit Now ???? https://events.financemagnates.com/event/FMAS25/exhibit-sponsor

    #fmas25 #fintech #onlinetrading #forextrading #networking #finance #capetown #southafrica #summit #exhibitors #may2025

    ???? Africa’s online trading industry is evolving fast—will you be at the forefront? ????

    FMAS:25 is where top industry leaders, fintech innovators, and traders connect.????Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your brand in Africa’s trading hub. Secure your spot today! ⏳

    ???? Exhibit Now ???? https://events.financemagnates.com/event/FMAS25/exhibit-sponsor

    #fmas25 #fintech #onlinetrading #forextrading #networking #finance #capetown #southafrica #summit #exhibitors #may2025


    ???? Africa’s online trading industry is evolving fast—will you be at the forefront? ????

    FMAS:25 is where top industry leaders, fintech innovators, and traders connect.????Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your brand in Africa’s trading hub. Secure your spot today! ⏳

    ???? Exhibit Now ???? https://events.financemagnates.com/event/FMAS25/exhibit-sponsor

    #fmas25 #fintech #onlinetrading #forextrading #networking #finance #capetown #southafrica #summit #exhibitors #may2025

    ???? Africa’s online trading industry is evolving fast—will you be at the forefront? ????

    FMAS:25 is where top industry leaders, fintech innovators, and traders connect.????Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your brand in Africa’s trading hub. Secure your spot today! ⏳

    ???? Exhibit Now ???? https://events.financemagnates.com/event/FMAS25/exhibit-sponsor

    #fmas25 #fintech #onlinetrading #forextrading #networking #finance #capetown #southafrica #summit #exhibitors #may2025


    ???? Africa’s online trading industry is evolving fast—will you be at the forefront? ????

    FMAS:25 is where top industry leaders, fintech innovators, and traders connect.????Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your brand in Africa’s trading hub. Secure your spot today! ⏳

    ???? Exhibit Now ???? https://events.financemagnates.com/event/FMAS25/exhibit-sponsor

    #fmas25 #fintech #onlinetrading #forextrading #networking #finance #capetown #southafrica #summit #exhibitors #may2025

Jared Kirui Read More

Latest

How Does an LLC Work?

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, combines the advantages of corporations and partnerships, providing personal liability protection for its members. This means your personal assets are shielded from business debts. Moreover, LLCs typically enjoy pass-through taxation, which simplifies how profits and losses are reported on personal tax returns. With flexibility in management structure, LLCs can

Wintermute Launches Armitage DeFi Vault Platform for Institutions

You are here: Home / Cryptocurrency News / Wintermute Launches Armitage DeFi Vault Platform for Institutions Wintermute has announced Armitage, a new DeFi vault curation business for professional investors and institutions. The algorithmic trading firm said the product will support risk management and yield generation in decentralized lending markets through on-chain, non-custodial vaults for users

What Is a Sole Proprietor Business?

A sole proprietor business is a straightforward structure where you’re the sole owner, and there’s no legal distinction between you and your business. This means you have complete control over operations and profits, but it additionally means you bear personal responsibility for any debts or liabilities. With minimal paperwork and simple tax management, it’s an

SUI Price Eyes $1.50 as Ramp Integration Boosts Bullish Momentum

You are here: Home / Cryptocurrency News / SUI Price Eyes $1.50 as Ramp Integration Boosts Bullish Momentum SUI price has gained momentum following Ramp’s announcement to support Sui-based USDC payments, driven by growing optimism around Sui’s expanding payment and utility ecosystem. Stablecoin payment integrations are becoming increasingly important for Layer-1 ecosystems as blockchain networks

Newsletter

Don't miss

How Does an LLC Work?

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, combines the advantages of corporations and partnerships, providing personal liability protection for its members. This means your personal assets are shielded from business debts. Moreover, LLCs typically enjoy pass-through taxation, which simplifies how profits and losses are reported on personal tax returns. With flexibility in management structure, LLCs can

Wintermute Launches Armitage DeFi Vault Platform for Institutions

You are here: Home / Cryptocurrency News / Wintermute Launches Armitage DeFi Vault Platform for Institutions Wintermute has announced Armitage, a new DeFi vault curation business for professional investors and institutions. The algorithmic trading firm said the product will support risk management and yield generation in decentralized lending markets through on-chain, non-custodial vaults for users

What Is a Sole Proprietor Business?

A sole proprietor business is a straightforward structure where you’re the sole owner, and there’s no legal distinction between you and your business. This means you have complete control over operations and profits, but it additionally means you bear personal responsibility for any debts or liabilities. With minimal paperwork and simple tax management, it’s an

SUI Price Eyes $1.50 as Ramp Integration Boosts Bullish Momentum

You are here: Home / Cryptocurrency News / SUI Price Eyes $1.50 as Ramp Integration Boosts Bullish Momentum SUI price has gained momentum following Ramp’s announcement to support Sui-based USDC payments, driven by growing optimism around Sui’s expanding payment and utility ecosystem. Stablecoin payment integrations are becoming increasingly important for Layer-1 ecosystems as blockchain networks

Tesla’s Business Has Become Much More Diversified in Just the Past Five Years. Does That Make Its Stock a Better Buy Today?

Key Points Tesla's energy generation and storage segment generated 27% revenue growth last year. The company's non-automotive segments were able to help offset a double-digit decline in auto revenue in 2025. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is known for its electric vehicles (EVs), and while they

WD sees sustainability as key business driver in an ‘AI economy’

Hard drive company WD promoted long-term operations and sustainability executive Jackie Jung to become its first chief sustainability officer in February, as it steps up sales to companies building AI data centers. Her vision: Turn sustainability into a “brand” for WD, a strategy that reduces risk for the $6 billion company (formerly known as Western

5 Business Ideas Worth Starting in 2026

If there is one thing Nigerians understand well, it is how to spot opportunity inside hardship. In 2026, that mindset will matter more than ever. The economy is tough, competition is rising, and many people are looking for smarter ways to earn, build, and survive. But even in a difficult environment, some businesses still stand