China responds to U.S. tariffs, citing trade war concerns

Ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China escalated on April 15, 2025, when the United States reportedly imposed tariffs of up to 245% on imports from China. This escalation follows China's response by raising tariffs on U.S. goods. Trade relations between the two nations have reached a pivotal point, with both sides emphasizing their national interests. Key developments, impact and reaction According to statements from both governments, the United States has imposed tariffs on imports from China as a response to China's previous trade measures. China insists these actions continue its model of economic coercion, which it strongly opposes. China's Foreign Ministry, represented by spokesman Lin Jian, commented that "there are no winners in tariff wars." Lin went on to comment, "You can ask the U.S. side to come up with specific tariff rate numbers... Tariff and trade wars have no winners. China doesn't want to get involved in these wars, but it's not afraid of them either." On the other hand, the U.S. administration, with President Trump at the helm, remains steadfast in its position. Cryptocurrencies as a hedge amid market volatility Significant volatility in Asian and European markets suggests investor caution, with asset risk premiums reflecting concerns about inflation and potential supply chain disruptions. Even so, China's official stance remains "readiness to counterattack if the United States violates China's interests," signaling the possibility of further retaliation. Karoline Leavitt of the White House reiterated that China needs to abide by the proposed talks. Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $84,394.43, with a market cap of $1.68 trillion, accounting for 63.04 percent of the global market share, according to CoinMarketCap. Bitcoin's recent 24-hour price movement was 1.29%, accompanied by a trading volume of $28.85 billion, representing a change of 3.82%. The value of this cryptocurrency has fluctuated throughout the past 90 days, marked by a decline of 16.46%. Coincu's research team forecasts that ongoing trade tensions could strengthen the speculative appeal of digital assets Investors may consider Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as potential hedges against uncertainty, Responding to historical trends in economic conflicts As both the U.S. and China consider next steps, legal and financial outcomes remain important topics for stakeholders. Market impact and future prospects Did you know? Economic conflicts often lead to growing interest in alternative assets such as cryptocurrencies, as investors seek to mitigate the risks associated with traditional markets. The cryptocurrency market has shown resilience despite ongoing trade tensions, with Bitcoin maintaining significant market share and attracting new investors looking for alternatives amid traditional market volatility.

Analysts argue that the current geopolitical situation will likely put digital assets in the spotlight, as investors continue to seek shelter in cryptocurrencies during times of economic uncertainty.