Bitcoin ETFs Outflows Soar 300% Amid Escalating US-China Trade Tensions

Recent data revealed that 12 U.S. Bitcoin ETFs recorded outflows of $708.9 million.

Recent data from Farside revealed that 12 U.S. Bitcoin ETFs recorded an aggregate outflow of $708.9 million over the past week. This marks a 300% surge compared to the previous week’s outflows.

The total net outflows from these 12 Bitcoin ETFs now approach the $1 billion mark.

Key Takeaways:

12 U.S. Bitcoin ETFs saw an outflow of $708.9 million last week.

The bulk of the outflows came from BlackRock’s IBIT, Grayscale’s GBTC, and Fidelity’s FBTC.

Smaller funds like BITB, BTCO, ARKB, EZBC, BTCW, and HODL also saw significant outflows.

Only one product, Grayscale’s mini Bitcoin Trust, reported an inflow of $2.4 million.

President Trump’s 125% tariff on Chinese goods sparked retaliation from China with 125% tariffs on U.S. products.

China also halted the export of rare-earth minerals in response to the U.S. actions.

Despite the trade tensions, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are reportedly planning to meet soon.

Bitcoin ETFs Continue Facing Consistent Withdrawals

According to analysis of key trends in the U.S. markets, U.S. Bitcoin ETFs saw another week of consistent withdrawals in April.

From April 7 to 11, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded daily outflows, closing every trading day in the red. Last week started with $103.9 million pulled on Monday, followed by $326.3 million on Tuesday, $127.2 million on Wednesday, $149.5 million on Thursday, and $1 million on Friday.

Among the 12 products, BlackRock’s IBIT took the lead with $342.6 million in reported outflows. Next was Grayscale’s GBTC (CRYPTO: GBTC) with $160.9 million, and Fidelity’s FBTC with $74.6 million.

Smaller funds, including BitFi’s BITB, Bitcoins Capital BTCO, ARK’s ARKB, Exponential’s EZBC, and Shapeshift’s BTCW, lost tens of millions, with individual outflows ranging from $11 million to $38 million.

Only one product managed to defy the trend. Grayscale’s mini Bitcoin Trust reported $2.4 million in inflows, while Valkyrie’s BRRR ETF saw no activity at all.

This steady decline isn’t new. Between March 31 and April 4, total net outflows across all 12 U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs reached $172.89 million. That pullback ended a two-week inflow streak that had brought in $941 million.

Adding to the gloomy picture, Ethereum ETFs also struggled. Farside’s data shows ETH ETF withdrawals rose 65% to $82.47 million last week.

This marks the seventh consecutive week of Ethereum outflows, totalling over $877 million.

145% Vs 125% Tariffs: How Long Will US-China Trade Tensions Last?

One major shadow looming over Bitcoin ETFs is the renewed U.S.-China trade tension. The uncertainty began early this month with President Trump’s proposal of a flat 10% tariff on all imports.

However, the situation escalated quickly. On April 9, President Trump announced an unexpected 125% tariff targeting Chinese goods while extending a 90-day deferral for other nations. He cited persistent unfair trade practices from Beijing as justification.

In response to the U.S. move, China retaliated with a 125% tariff on an additional $75 billion worth of American goods. This measure will take effect from tomorrow, April 13. Moreover, China suspended the import of U.S. beef, pork, and some seafood products.

At the same time, China also announced the halting of exports of rare-earth minerals to the U.S. These minerals are critical components for technology manufacturing, clean energy, and defense sectors.

Beijing described Washington’s move as excessive and damaging to global trade rules.

Chinese authorities criticized the tariffs as one-sided, disruptive, and out of step with common sense economics.

After announcing an unprecedented 125% tariff on a $75 billion tranche of U.S. goods, China signaled no further escalation in the trade war with the U.S., despite the latest round of tariffs announced by Washington.

A report by the South China Morning Post on Friday stated that Beijing will keep the tariffs at the 125% rate and won’t retaliate to any further U.S