Trump Tariffs Spark Bitcoin Demand Surge, UAE Embraces Web3

This Week in Crypto: Trump Tariffs, XRP ETF, Coinbase Listings, and More

This week, the crypto market witnessed several significant developments, from US trade policies and token listings to blockchain and regulatory advancements. The highlights display how the global cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to evolve.

US President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China sparked global market reactions. Following the announcement, Canada and Mexico pushed back, leading to temporary delays in some tariff applications. Mexico, in particular, secured a short-term reprieve as both nations entered new negotiations with the US government. The US President shared on X (Twitter), "We had a good conversation with President Trump with great respect for our relationship and sovereignty; we reached a series of agreements. Our teams will begin working today on two fronts: security and trade. Tariffs will be paused for one month from now."

Against this backdrop, analysts observed Bitcoin's Coinbase Premium Index hitting a 2025 high, indicating increased demand in North America. Investors appear to be shifting toward Bitcoin as a hedge against possible economic instability caused by these trade policies.

Meanwhile, China retaliated, imposing a 10% tariff on US crude oil and agricultural machinery on its exports to the US. While this reignited fears of another prolonged trade war, some analysts argue that China's latest tariffs may not have as severe an impact as initially feared.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is advancing its aggressive push toward becoming a global leader in Web3 adoption. This week, Shiba Inu (SHIB) was selected to integrate blockchain into various government services. The partnership will facilitate blockchain-based solutions across sectors, improving efficiency and security. His Excellency Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated, "By embracing emerging technologies, we aim to set a global benchmark for innovation, delivering transformative solutions that benefit both our citizens and the wider community." The price of Shiba Inu briefly surged after the announcement. At press time, the meme coin was trading at $0.00001563.

Coinbase, the largest US-based crypto exchange, added two new altcoins—Ether.fi (ETHFI) and Bittensor (TAO)—to its listing roadmap.