News 
March 29, 2025 
3 min. 
Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs announcement is being hailed by some as a bold move to reshape global trade, but it may carry unintended consequences for the crypto industry.
While much of the discussion revolves around political tensions and economic disruptions, the deeper impact on digital assets and the international structures that support them is worth examining.
Heidi Crebo-Rediker, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, recently told Bloomberg TV that President Trump’s plan amounts to a “tearing up” of longstanding trade agreements with key U.S. allies. Among those affected are the so-called “Dirty 15,” a group of major trading partners responsible for 80% of America’s total trade.
By prioritizing unilateral tariffs and restrictive trade policies, Trump’s proposed framework marks a significant departure from the cooperative economic order that has shaped global commerce for decades. For crypto, this shift could introduce new challenges, from regulatory uncertainty to reduced international investment, potentially stalling its worldwide growth.
Why Should Crypto Care About Trump’s Liberation Day Tariff?
Crypto thrives on a globally connected economy. Its infrastructure, capital flow, and regulatory landscape rely on open markets and international cooperation. But a shift toward economic fragmentation could threaten that foundation.
Heidi Crebo-Rediker highlights that countries like Canada are already looking to reduce their reliance on the U.S., anticipating major shifts in trade and investment patterns. If this trend continues, markets could become more isolated, regulatory approaches more inconsistent, and capital controls more restrictive—conditions that could stifle crypto’s growth. She also warns that a retreat from multilateral financial agreements could undermine both global finance and regulatory alignment.
If the U.S. turns inward while its allies pivot toward China—now positioning itself as a leader in global trade and digital finance—it could erode Western influence over international crypto standards.
Crypto enthusiasts have welcomed Trump’s recent support for stablecoins and digital assets, but they should tread carefully. A fractured world where each country takes a different path on trade and technology is not one where crypto can flourish.
Forget Michael Saylor’s dream of Bitcoin reaching a $200 trillion market cap—under these conditions, holding onto a $1 trillion valuation might be a challenge. If global coordination crumbles, so too could the next wave of crypto adoption. Let’s hope that’s not the case. If it is, well, it was a good ride.
