Trump Unveils Tariff Blitz, Markets Sway as Bitcoin Slips to $86K

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced an aggressive new trade policy featuring a wave of “reciprocal tariffs” on U.S. trading partners, triggering a swift reaction across global markets.

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump said the move was long overdue. “For over 50 years, other countries have taken advantage of the American taxpayer. That ends now,” he said. “Some of these tariffs begin tonight.”

The administration outlined three key layers of the new tariff structure:

• 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles, taking effect April 3 at midnight
• 10% blanket tariff on all imports, beginning April 5
• Targeted country tariffs, starting April 9:
  • China: 34%
  • Vietnam: 46%
  • Taiwan: 32%
  • South Korea: 25%
  • EU: 20%
  • Switzerland: 31%

Markets reacted swiftly. Bitcoin (BTC), which had briefly climbed during the early moments of the announcement, reversed gains and dropped to $86,000, about 1% lower on the day.

U.S. stock futures fell sharply, with Nasdaq 100 contracts down 2.3% and S&P 500 futures off 1.7%. Gold prices surged to an all-time high near $3,200 per ounce as traders moved into safe-haven assets.