Ethereum Plummets 52% Year-to-Date Amid Trump Tariffs

Ethereum (ETH), the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has experienced significant volatility in 2025, with its price plummeting over 52% year-to-date to $1,574 at the time of reporting. Despite a recent 4.5% gain in the past 24 hours, the asset remains under sustained selling pressure, characterized by a series of lower highs and short-lived rallies that have failed to establish a meaningful trend reversal.

The latest market turmoil was triggered by President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping tariff measures, including a 10% blanket tariff on all imports into the United States, set to take effect on April 9. This announcement led to a broad sell-off across global markets, resulting in a significant loss of value in the cryptocurrency market. Ethereum, which has underperformed relative to the broader market, was particularly affected by this sell-off.

While the market has since staged a modest rebound, the overall sentiment remains fragile. Ethereum continues to struggle with weak momentum, leaving its near-term direction uncertain. Against this backdrop, an AI-powered prediction tool has provided an updated outlook for Ethereum’s price trajectory through April 30, 2025. Based on technical indicators, macroeconomic signals, and market sentiment, the models suggest an average ETH price of $1,800 by the end of the month, indicating a potential 13.58% upside from current levels.

However, the three AI models offer markedly different views on Ethereum’s short-term outlook. The most optimistic forecast comes from one model, which sees ETH surging 32.51% to $2,300. This model points to slowing downward momentum in the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, suggesting a potential bottoming phase. It also considers broader sentiment and the possibility of interest rate adjustments, pointing to a cautious but improving outlook.

Another model projects a 16.37% increase to $1,850, citing a recent death cross, where the 50-day SMA fell below the 200-day SMA, indicating short-term bearishness. However, it notes that macroeconomic conditions, such as potential interest rate hikes, could exert further downward pressure on the price.

In contrast, a third model paints a bearish scenario, forecasting an 8.49% decline to $1,450. This model points to persistent weakness below major technical levels and growing caution around rate hikes, which could continue to weigh on ETH in the near term. The stark contrast among the AI forecasts highlights the uncertainty surrounding Ethereum’s short-term direction.