Bitcoin Hits $82,000 As President Trump Announces 90-Day Pause On Reciprocal Tariffs For All Countries But China

Bitcoin BTC/USD on Wednesday crossed the $82,000 mark, following a significant short squeeze that liquidated $75 million in bearish bets within a span of one hour.

The apex crypto Bitcoin made a high of $82,450 according to TradingView data after President Trump's announcement that the U.S. would raise tariffs on China to 125%, effective immediately, but pause reciprocal tariffs on 75 countries for 90 days.

Altcoins also rallied sharply.

Ethereum ETH/USD gained 9%, Ripple‘s XRP/USD rose 10%, Solana SOL/USD jumped 12%, and Dogecoin DOGE/USD added 10% in the same period.

"Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World's Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff… to 125%," Trump wrote in the statement.

While many interpreted the tariff spike as a renewed escalation in trade tensions, analysts suggested it may be a strategic pressure tactic rather than a permanent fixture.

Also Read: Treasury Secretary Bessent: Trump Admin Will Take A Close Look At Impediments To Blockchain, Stablecoins’

"The threat of tariffs is likely a negotiating tool," said analysts at Bitfinex. "We doubt this will become permanent policy."

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However, they noted the equity markets have been stretched, especially in tech and AI sectors, and that this was "an opportunity for many value investors to sell."

Bitfinex also cautioned that expectations for a volatility bottom may be premature. "We expect the VIX to rise in the short term," they added.

On the crypto side, sentiment remains cautiously optimistic.

"We should see some solid relief in the short term due to this," said Teddy Pornprinya, Co-Founder of Plume Network. "At the very least, it’ll ease up the pain quite a bit… but I don’t think it’ll just be a quick V-shaped recovery back to ATHs."

Pornprinya also highlighted that real-world asset portfolios, like those offered on Plume, have been more resilient than broader crypto markets.

"We expect bonds, credit, and alternatives to hold up best in this environment," he said.

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