A Safe Haven in the Storm? Bitcoin Could Emerge as the Biggest Winner Amid the Tariff Turmoil

Introduction

As global economic patterns are reshaped by escalating trade frictions, traditional financial markets have been hit hard—stock markets across multiple countries plunged sharply, with investor anxiety rising significantly. Against this backdrop, mainstream alternative assets—particularly Bitcoin—are increasingly catching investors’ attention and demonstrating compelling potential that can no longer be ignored.

Trade Wars Disrupt Global Markets, Fiat Currency Credibility Under Test

The global trade war initiated by the Trump administration has caused significant volatility in global equities, prompting numerous market observers to recall the “Black Monday” crash of 1987.

As tariffs continue to escalate, global markets face twofold risks: increasing inflationary pressures and a tightening of liquidity. Renowned economist Ray Dalio notes that current tariff policies simultaneously create inflationary effects in importing countries and deflationary pressures in exporting countries. Under these conditions, severe pressure is mounting on the global monetary and fiat currencies, which face sustained long-term depreciation risks.

Against this backdrop, Bitcoin’s unique positioning becomes increasingly prominent. Jeff Park, an analyst from Bitwise, argues that currency depreciation worldwide—as a consequence of ongoing trade conflicts—will drive investors toward alternative storage-of-value solutions. As a scarce asset disconnected from traditional currency s, Bitcoin enjoys distinct advantages during times of declining trust in fiat currencies.

A “Safe Haven in Chaos”: Bitcoin’s Hedging Potential Increasingly Evident

The current trade war has rattled global markets, impacting not just traditional equities but causing short-term volatility in Bitcoin prices as well. For example, during recent escalations around Trump’s tariff policies, Bitcoin briefly dropped by as much as 10%, even falling below the $75,000 level.

Yet, what’s notable is the analysis behind these fluctuations. Geoff Kendrick, Head of Digital Asset Research at Standard Chartered, emphasizes that even though Bitcoin faces short-term shocks, it will likely move higher in the long run. Kendrick noted that although Bitcoin may not yet be equivalent to “digital gold,” its hedging capabilities during periods of market turmoil have clearly emerged. In an era where global protectionism is rising and US isolationist policies intensify, Bitcoin may well stand out as a crucial safe haven outside of traditional fiat currencies and asset markets.

From Globalization to Populism: Bitcoin Faces a Historic Opportunity

As noted by respected financial commentator Alpha First, the global economy is shifting from an era of free-trade-focused globalization to a “new economic order” centered around tariffs and populism. Under this trend, US labor demand may grow and immigration policies tighten, placing downward pressure on financial assets and potentially curtailing returns on traditional investments for an extended period.

Throughout this economic transformation, asset classes such as gold and Bitcoin—particularly those with low correlation to traditional financial markets—may excel. Bitcoin, specifically, possesses intrinsic properties perfectly suited for this new era: fixed supply, separation from any sovereign government control, and ease of global transferability. Such characteristics increasingly appeal to investors during times of inflation, populism, and intensified trade disputes. Alpha First even made the bold prediction that Bitcoin’s long-term valuation could reach astonishing levels—potentially in the million-dollar range—given enough patience for the market to recognize its true worth.

It’s evident that as we transition from a globalized, trade-friendly environment into one plagued by intensifying trade battles, a new economic and financial order is emerging. Amid this historic turning point stands Bitcoin, uniquely positioned to seize strategic opportunities. While trade conflicts may create short-term volatility, a long-term view suggests that Bitcoin could emerge as one of the decade’s most promising winners.