- Price Drop: Bitcoin fell approximately 3% to below $93,000, with intraday lows reaching around $92,000.
- Liquidations Surge: More than $800 million in leveraged crypto positions were liquidated in the past 24 hours, predominantly long bets.
- Geopolitical Trigger: The selloff follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of 10% tariffs on eight European countries amid disputes over Greenland.
The cryptocurrency market faced renewed pressure on January 18, 2026, as Bitcoin (BTC) slid below $93,000, driven by escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and the European Union. This decline reflects a broader risk-off sentiment, with investors rotating into safe-haven assets like gold and silver, which hit record highs.
The drop erased gains from a recent rally toward $98,000, with Bitcoin trading near $92,500 as Asia opened on Monday. Data from CoinGlass showed roughly $600 million in long positions liquidated, contributing to the volatility.
Altcoins bore the brunt of the downturn. Solana (SOL) dropped over 6%, XRP fell about 4%, and Dogecoin (DOGE) declined more than 7%. Ethereum (ETH) saw a 3% decrease, hovering around $3,200, per Bloomberg.
The catalyst was Trump’s tariff announcement on goods from Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, the UK, and Norway, effective February 1 unless the U.S. gains rights to acquire Greenland. EU officials responded with threats of retaliatory tariffs up to $101 billion, heightening global uncertainty.
Market analysts warn of further downside. Glassnode data indicates the prior rally was leverage-driven, making the market susceptible to such corrections. Total liquidations reached up to $900 million in some estimates, underscoring overcrowded bullish positioning. Yahoo Finance highlighted that the retreat follows a derivatives-fueled push, with CryptoQuant signaling weak underlying demand.
Neutral outlook amid volatility. While the event highlights crypto’s sensitivity to macroeconomic factors, some see it as a temporary pullback. Investors are advised to monitor trade developments closely, as prolonged tensions could impact broader risk assets.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.
