Bitcoin Steady as U.S. Sends Mixed Signals on Tech Tariffs

Bitcoin Steady as Markets Weigh U.S.–China Tech Tariff Tensions

Bitcoin (BTC) is holding steady above $84,000 as Asian markets open, amid confusion from the White House regarding semiconductor and tech tariffs on Chinese imports.

Over the weekend, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that products such as smartphones, computers, and semiconductors are temporarily exempt from the 125% tariffs. However, President Trump later clarified that these exemptions might not be permanent, hinting at further tariff announcements soon with some room for “flexibility.” This uncertainty hasn’t rattled the markets just yet.

According to Jeff Mei, COO at BTSE, markets bounced back when popular consumer electronics were temporarily excluded from tariffs. “Even after Trump’s comments that these items may face tariffs under another category, optimism remained as industry leaders pushed for reductions,” Mei shared via Telegram. Still, Mei warned the current rally could be short-lived. “Relocating supply chains away from China won’t happen overnight. We expect low-end manufacturing to shift to other Asian countries, but volatility will persist.”

Meanwhile, China struck back, imposing a 34% tariff on U.S.-origin semiconductors. However, since China defines origin based on where chips are made — not designed — and most American chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD use Taiwan's TSMC for fabrication, many U.S. chips might dodge this tariff due to Taiwan’s political status in China’s eyes.

Chinese analysts believe that while the new tariffs may cause short-term disruptions, they also present an opportunity to accelerate domestic innovation and restructure the local chip supply chain.

In response to growing uncertainty, Taiwan-based TSMC is reportedly speeding up construction of another semiconductor plant in Arizona, aiming to offer U.S.-made chips and reduce reliance on its Asian operations.

On the equity front, investors in East Asia are cautiously watching developments. Shanghai’s SSE gained 0.8%, Shenzhen’s tech index rose 0.9%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 2.4%