Bitcoin News Today: El Salvador Defies IMF, Expands Bitcoin Hoard Despite Restrictions

El Salvador's Bitcoin holdings have reached $740.7 million as of July 2025, marking a 162% increase from the 2,381 BTC acquired in early 2022. The country now holds 6,246 BTC, valued at approximately $120,000 per coin, generating over $443 million in unrealized profits since initial purchasesEl Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings in 2025: How Much BTC Does the Nation Own?^[5]. This surge follows a strategic accumulation approach, including direct purchases, mining operations using geothermal energy, and a "one Bitcoin a day" policyEl Salvador Bitcoin Holdings: Government Increases Reserves to $707.3M^[2]. President Nayib Bukele has emphasized the nation's commitment to Bitcoin, stating no BTC has been sold despite market volatilityEl Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings in 2025: How Much BTC Does the Nation Own?^[5].

The government's strategy has evolved through three phases: bulk purchases in 2021-2022, a dollar-cost averaging approach in 2022-2024, and expanded mining in 2024-presentEl Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings in 2025: How Much BTC Does the Nation Own?^[5]. Mining operations, leveraging El Salvador's volcanic energy, have supplemented acquisitions, while the Bitcoin Office continues its daily purchases, adjusting volume based on price fluctuationsEl Salvador Bitcoin Holdings: Government Increases Reserves to $707.3M^[2]. The country's average purchase price remains at $43,357 per BTC, with total investments exceeding $103 millionEl Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings in 2025: How Much BTC Does the Nation Own?^[5].

Despite reaching a $1.4 billion financing agreement with the IMF that limits public-sector Bitcoin engagement, El Salvador has found technical workarounds to maintain its accumulation strategy. The IMF's agreement required making Bitcoin acceptance voluntary for businesses, but the Bitcoin Office-classified outside the fiscal sector-continues its purchasesEl Salvador's Bitcoin Holdings Surge to $644M, Generating $357M in Unrealized Gains^[1]. Bukele has publicly dismissed external pressures, asserting the government's resolve to continue its Bitcoin initiativesEl Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings Yield $357 Million in Profit^[3].

Globally, El Salvador ranks as the sixth-largest sovereign Bitcoin holder, trailing the U.S., China, the U.K., Ukraine, and BhutanEl Salvador's Bitcoin Holdings Surge to $644M, Generating $357M in Unrealized Gains^[1]. The country's bold experiment has drawn both praise and criticism, with some analysts highlighting the potential for digital assets to enhance national wealth, while others caution about limited adoption and regulatory challengesEl Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings Hit $644M as BTC Nears All-Time High^[4].

Looking ahead, El Salvador has transferred a significant portion of its holdings to a cold wallet stored in a physical vault, enhancing securityEl Salvador Bitcoin Holdings: Government Increases Reserves to $707.3M^[2]. The government also plans to expand its Bitcoin mining infrastructure and continues to explore legislative adjustments to balance innovation with international financial requirementsEl Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings in 2025: How Much BTC Does the Nation Own?^[5]. As Bitcoin approaches its all-time high of $108,786, El Salvador's holdings remain a focal point for discussions on cryptocurrency's role in national economiesEl Salvador's Bitcoin Holdings Surge to $644M, Generating $357M in Unrealized Gains^[1].