5 Trump Tariff Policies That Could Shape Bitcoin’s Direction in 2026

Jakarta, Pintu News – In 2025, a series of tariff policies introduced by President Trump have caused significant turmoil in the crypto market. From the announcement of new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China that sent Bitcoin plunging to a three-week low of around $91,400, to tariffs that have continued to increase throughout the year. Now, with several tariff policies that may be implemented or increased in 2026, crypto investors and market participants need to be aware of the potential impact.

100% Tariff Delay on China

In October 2025, President Trump announced plans to impose an additional 100% tariff on all imports from China, a policy that was delayed and is now the main focus at the end of 2026. This policy was announced in an effort to pressure China to reach a more favorable trade deal for the US.

If these tariffs are actually implemented, the impact on global markets and crypto in particular could be huge, given the uncertainty that will arise among investors. This uncertainty might trigger price volatility in Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies, as seen in previous years. Investors may seek safer assets, which could affect capital flows into and out of the crypto market.

Global Baseline Rate Increase

President Trump has previously signaled the possibility of increasing import tariffs globally which currently stands at 10%. This baseline tariff increase may continue to put pressure on global investors’ risk appetite. This policy will not only affect US trade relations with other countries, but also global financial market dynamics.

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The impact of these tariff increases can range from an increase in the cost of imports which may be followed by an increase in consumer prices, to a decrease in the exchange rate which could affect the value of investments in foreign markets. All of this will contribute to increased economic uncertainty, which often negatively impacts crypto markets.

Counter Tariffs on Europe’s Digital Services Tax

One policy that may be introduced is retaliatory tariffs against European countries that impose digital services taxes or similar rules against US tech companies. This could trigger a drop in global stock prices and possibly impact crypto markets as well.

If these tariffs are implemented, there will be significant price adjustments in the stock market and this could impact investments in crypto assets. A drop in the value of stocks could prompt investors to look for alternative investments, including Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies. However, it could also add to volatility in the crypto market, depending on how global markets respond to the policy.

Pharmaceutical Tariffs of up to 200% Trigger Inflation Concerns

One policy that has garnered attention is the planned high tariffs on imported branded and patented medicines. This policy is aimed at encouraging pharmaceutical companies to move their production facilities to the United States. Trump has previously signaled very high tariffs by 2025 and positioned it as part of the industry’s reshoring strategy. If these tariffs are actually implemented, the cost of drug imports could jump dramatically.

Also read: Bitcoin Price Prediction: Will BTC Reach a New Peak in 2026?

If pharmaceutical tariffs approach 200% by 2026, the market will likely perceive it as a trigger for new inflationary pressures. Rising drug prices could potentially spill over into the healthcare sector and household consumption. In situations like this, Bitcoin is often talked about as an inflation hedge. But historically, markets have often reacted the other way in the short term, with risk assets coming under selling pressure.

Secondary Tariffs Expand Global Uncertainty

Another significant policy is the expansion of secondary tariffs targeting countries that trade with US sanctioned parties. These tariffs target not only direct actors, but also third-party countries that buy oil or goods from US geopolitical opponents. Trump first introduced the concept in 2025 and applied it aggressively in some cases. The move triggered a strong response from a number of trading partners.

If this policy is expanded in 2026, more countries could be dragged into tariff conflicts. This has the potential to increase global economic uncertainty and exacerbate trade tensions. Financial markets typically respond to such conditions with increased volatility. Investors tend to reduce risk exposure when uncertainty increases.

Conclusion

With various tariff policies that may be implemented or increased by the Trump administration in 2026, the crypto market is faced with high potential uncertainty. Investors and market participants should prepare themselves for possible fluctuations and consider strategies to manage risk in their investment portfolios.

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*Disclaimer

This content aims to enrich readers’ information. Pintu collects this information from various relevant sources and is not influenced by outside parties. Note that an asset’s past performance does not determine its projected future performance. Trading crypto carries high risk and volatility, always do your own research and use cold hard cash before investing. All activities of buying and selling bitcoin and other crypto asset investments are the responsibility of the reader.

Reference

• BeInCrypto. Bitcoin 2026: Trump Tariff Risks. Accessed on January 3, 2026
• Featured Image: India Today