Ethereum News Today: Tether adds $1B USDT on Tron as network surpasses Ethereum with 82.69B supply driven by zero gas fees

Tether has minted an additional $1 billion USDT on the Tron blockchain, bringing the total supply of USDT on Tron to 82.69 billion as of the latest update [1]. This development positions Tron as the leading network for USDT, surpassing Ethereum, which holds 79.8 billion USDT. The new issuance occurred with zero gas fees, a key factor in Tron’s growing dominance in stablecoin transactions. The freshly minted tokens remain in Tether’s reserves and have not yet entered active circulation, according to transaction data from Arkham Intelligence [1].

The surge in Tron-based USDT underscores the network’s appeal for users seeking low-cost and high-speed transactions. Over 23 billion USDT was minted on Tron in 2025, with more than 8 billion issued since June 1 alone [1]. This trend reflects a broader shift in stablecoin activity, as traders and developers prioritize Tron’s efficiency over Ethereum’s higher fees and slower processing times. Tether’s strategy of leveraging Tron’s infrastructure aligns with its goal of expanding liquidity and market accessibility, particularly in regions where cost-effective transactions are critical for adoption [1].

Justin Sun, founder of Tron, highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating that USDT on Tron has become the preferred choice for millions of users globally due to its speed, stability, and accessibility. He emphasized the focus on building real-world utility and network effects to solidify Tron’s position as the leading platform for stablecoin transactions. The network’s growth has translated into record activity, with over 60 million transactions processed in a single week. This volume places Tron as the third-busiest blockchain after Solana and Base, driven by the increased use of USDT for cross-chain and on-chain operations [1].

The implications of Tron’s dominance extend to broader market dynamics. Analysts note that the rise of Tron-based USDT could influence trading activity on major exchanges, particularly for BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT pairs, where zero-fee transactions may attract higher volumes [1]. Institutional participants, including hedge funds and arbitrage traders, have also begun exploiting Tron’s low-cost infrastructure for cross-chain strategies, such as moving USDT between Tron and Ethereum to capitalize on price discrepancies. The increased liquidity has spurred growth in Tron-based tokens like TRX, with the TRX/USDT pair on Binance exceeding $500 million in 24-hour trading volume [1].

Tron’s aggressive expansion has further intensified competition in the stablecoin ecosystem. Tether’s total USDT supply now exceeds $80 billion globally, with over 50% residing on Tron. This shift challenges Ethereum’s historical dominance in DeFi protocols, where stablecoins have traditionally been a cornerstone. However, Ethereum remains a key player, and the long-term trajectory of stablecoin distribution will depend on Tether’s continued strategic allocation of USDT across blockchains [1].

The milestone also raises questions about the future of blockchain infrastructure. Tron’s ability to offer zero-fee transactions for stablecoins like USDT has redefined expectations for scalability and cost efficiency. As Tether’s issuance strategy evolves, the interplay between stablecoin distribution, network performance, and exchange dynamics will remain critical for both retail and institutional investors [1].

[1] [Tether Mints 1 Billion USDT on Tron, Tron-Based USDT Supply Surpasses 82.69 Billion] (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/tether-mints-1-billion-usdt-on-tron-tron-based-usdt-supply-surpasses-82-69-billion)

[4] [Stablecoin Market Grows 1.64% Weekly as USDC Challenges USDT Dominance] (https://www.ainvest.com/news/stablecoin-market-grows-1-64-weekly-usdc-challenges-usdt-dominance-mica-compliance-push-2507/)