US-China trade tensions triggers $755 million Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF outflows
Renewed trade hostilities between the U.S. and China trigger the largest Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow in nearly two months signaling a shift in institutional sentiment.
The crypto market witnessed a massive Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow on Oct. 13 with both Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs recording a combined $755 million in net redemptions amid growing U.S.–China tariff tensions.
According to data from SoSoValue, the 12 spot Bitcoin ETFs saw around $326.5 million in outflows marking one of the sharpest single day withdrawals in recent months. The latest Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow was primarily driven by redemptions from Grayscale’s GBTC ($145.3 million), Bitwise’s BITB ($115.6 million) and Fidelity’s FBTC ($93.2 million).
Source: SoSoValue
However, not all funds faced losses as BlackRock’s IBIT attracted $60.4 million in new inflows providing partial relief to the day’s total Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow tally.
This comes after two straight weeks of strong ETF inflows when Bitcoin products collectively added $3.24 billion and $2.71 billion, respectively.
Meanwhile, Ethereum spot ETFs suffered even larger withdrawals. The nine ETH based funds recorded $428.5 million in outflows surpassing Bitcoin’s figures and marking their steepest Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow since mid August. BlackRock’s ETHA led the losses shedding roughly $310 million while none of the Ethereum ETFs registered any inflows.
In the preceding weeks, Ethereum funds had enjoyed inflows totaling $1.3 billion and $488 million underscoring the sharp reversal in investor sentiment. Altogether, the combined Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow of $755 million marks the largest single day withdrawal since Aug. 19 when total outflows neared $1 billion.
US-China tariff drama sparks fresh concerns
The significant Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow coincided with renewed trade tensions following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 100% tariff on all Chinese imports starting Nov. 1. The move reportedly responds to Beijing’s latest export restrictions on rare earth minerals and AI critical materials.
The escalating trade conflict is now extending beyond commodities, with both nations preparing to implement reciprocal port fees on commercial shipping from mid October 2025. Despite rising friction, U.S. officials have hinted that both sides are still exploring ways to reach a compromise before the November deadline.
These macroeconomic uncertainties appear to have prompted a flight to safety among institutional investors accelerating the Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow and dampening short term risk appetite in crypto markets.
Bitcoin and Ethereum prices remain muted
Following the Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow both major cryptocurrencies suffered sharp corrections. Bitcoin fell to as low as $103,000 while Ethereum dropped below the key $3,700 level. Though both have since rebounded they remain down roughly 9.2% and 12.5% respectively over the past week.
The Crypto Fear and Greed Index, which tracks investor sentiment improved slightly from “extreme fear” to “fear,” suggesting a modest stabilization following Friday’s tariff announcement. Still, traders remain cautious as they await further developments in U.S.–China trade negotiations before re-entering the market.
As of press time, Bitcoin traded near $112,600 while Ethereum hovered around $4,070 both recovering modestly after the heavy Bitcoin Ethereum ETF outflow shock.
Victor Prince Johnson a tech writer and crypto blogger with a passion for breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging and accessible content.
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