Metaplanet makes bold crypto move while markets weigh uncertainty over US-China tariffs
As the financial world grapples with mounting geopolitical uncertainty, Tokyo-listed tech firm Metaplanet has doubled down on its Bitcoin strategy, acquiring an additional $26.3 million worth of the digital currency. The purchase adds 319 BTC to its portfolio, bringing its total holdings to 4,525 BTC and signaling plans to scale that number to 10,000 by the end of the year.
Strategic investment amid global volatility
Metaplanet’s latest acquisition comes at a time when cryptocurrency markets are showing signs of stress under the weight of intensifying US-China trade tensions. Bitcoin saw a brief dip of more than 2% during Asia trading hours on Sunday, dropping to $83,482 before rebounding slightly. Meanwhile, the company remains unfazed, continuing its aggressive digital asset accumulation.
The firm paid an average price of 12,849,780 yen (roughly $82,549) per coin in its latest transaction, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s most committed corporate Bitcoin holders.
Traditional markets brush off tariff concerns
Despite the crypto market’s dip, traditional equities showed resilience. Nasdaq 100 futures climbed more than 1%, while S&P 500 futures rose 0.7% amid mixed messages from Washington. The Trump administration announced plans for new tariffs on Chinese electronics, with smartphones and semiconductors briefly excluded from a proposed 10% duty. However, President Trump later clarified that those same goods would remain subject to a separate 20% national security tariff.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has indicated more sector-specific levies are expected in the coming months, adding to the uncertainty for global investors.
Corporate Bitcoin adoption gains momentum
Metaplanet’s aggressive accumulation echoes the approach taken by MicroStrategy and its co-founder Michael Saylor, whose Bitcoin-centric treasury strategy has influenced a wave of institutional interest in digital assets.
The company recently made headlines for appointing Eric Trump, son of the US president, to its newly created Strategic Advisory Board. The appointment, Metaplanet said, reflects his “business acumen and enthusiasm for Bitcoin.”
Policy shifts signal deeper crypto integration
As Metaplanet expands its crypto presence, the US government is also taking steps to formalize digital asset reserves. Two new initiatives have been unveiled: a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, comprised of confiscated BTC designated as a permanent national asset, and a broader Digital Asset Stockpile, consisting of other seized tokens intended for strategic or liquidation purposes.
Together, these moves underscore a global shift toward deeper institutional involvement in cryptocurrency, positioning players like Metaplanet at the forefront of a rapidly evolving financial landscape.