The Virtual Asset Market Trended Downward From February 3 to 7 Due to Tensions Surrounding the Global Tariff War Originating From the United States

From February 3 to 7, the virtual asset market showed a downward trend due to tensions surrounding the global tariff war originating from the United States.

Tensions surrounding the global tariff war originating from the United States impacted the virtual asset market from February 3 to 7, leading to a downward trend.

U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China sparked concerns about inflation, causing both the financial and virtual asset markets to decline.

As of 4:40 p.m. on the 7th, the price of Bitcoin was trading at $96,897, down 7.23% from a week ago.

The price of Bitcoin plummeted to $91,000 after President Trump announced the tariffs but recovered to $100,000 with an announcement that the tariffs would be postponed. However, on the 4th, it fell again below $100,000 and is currently hovering around $96,000.

The volatility of altcoins was greater than that of Bitcoin. Around the same time, the price of Ethereum recorded $2,713, a decrease of 16.6% compared to a week ago. Ripple fell by 25.3% over the week, yielding its position as the third-largest virtual asset by market capitalization to Tether. During the same period, Solana decreased by 18.7% to $192.7, and Binance Coin (BNB) fell by 14.3% to $581.8.

Although the Trump administration has postponed the imposition of tariffs, it has imposed an additional 10% general tariff on all imports from China. China has requested dispute consultations with the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing that the U.S. tariffs violate the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

Canada and Mexico have stated that if the U.S. imposes tariffs, they will retaliate with 'counter-tariffs.' If the U.S. decides to impose tariffs again, a tariff war could start at any time

Experts warned that concerns over a tariff war will persist for the time being, and caution is advised regarding the expansion of volatility.

Choi Seung-ho, a researcher at the Research Institute, noted, “The tariff policy of the Trump administration is simultaneously stimulating global economic slowdown and inflation risks while dampening investment sentiment in the virtual asset market,” and advised that a conservative portfolio strategy would be necessary until the market's direction is revealed.

Choi forecasted that the execution of counter-tariffs by China and the progress of negotiations between the U.S. and China on the 10th would be a critical turning point.

◇ U.S. SEC initiates approval process for Ripple, Solana, and Litecoin ETFs

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has begun receiving applications related to Ripple spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) while officially initiating the approval process for Litecoin and Solana spot ETFs, attracting the interest of investors.

The SEC has previously rejected applications for Solana-based ETFs. There is optimism that the virtual asset ETF market will grow under the new SEC leadership. The decision on ETF approvals is expected to be made by October this year.

Previously, the SEC launched a task force aimed at clarifying regulations surrounding virtual assets. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce announced a new regulatory framework and stated that resolving the legal status of virtual assets and jurisdictional issues concerning the SEC will be its top priority.

The market interprets the SEC's actions as a move to establish an institutional framework across the virtual asset market. However, a representative from the Research Institute stated, “The mere reception of applications does not directly lead to approvals,” and emphasized the need to closely monitor the SEC's stance and market reactions until a final decision is made.

◇ U.S. Congress launches virtual asset policy working group

The U.S. Congress has launched a working group involving bipartisan lawmakers to promote virtual assets and establish a regulatory framework. David Sachs, known as the 'crypto czar' and the White House's point person on virtual assets and artificial intelligence policy, participated in the related press conference, suggesting government-level cooperation.

Sachs presented key policy directions in a recent press conference, including the formation of a bicameral virtual asset caucus, legislation on stablecoin bills, and a review of Bitcoin as a national reserve. The establishment of this working group is regarded as an implementation of the first policy to form a bicameral virtual asset caucus.

The market expects that this measure will create a clear legal foundation for the virtual asset industry and accelerate its incorporation into the legal framework. However, depending on whether the policy direction leans toward promoting industry growth or enhancing regulation, market reactions are likely to diverge significantly.