Sui Token Unlock & China Tariff Threats Trigger 87% Flash Crash - What’s Next?

Digital asset markets reel as Sui faces perfect storm of token unlocks and geopolitical pressure.

The Unlock Impact

Massive token releases flooded the market just as China announced new tariff threats against US tech imports. The combination proved devastating for Sui holders.

Flash Crash Mechanics

Liquidity vanished in seconds as stop-loss orders cascaded through exchanges. The 87% plunge wiped out millions in leveraged positions within minutes.

Market Reaction

Traders scrambled to assess whether this represents a buying opportunity or the beginning of broader contagion. Meanwhile, regulators watched from the sidelines - as usual, closing the barn door after the horse has bolted.

Recovery Prospects

History suggests flash crashes often create temporary dislocations. But with macro pressures mounting, this might be more than just a technical glitch. The question isn't whether markets will recover, but who will be left holding the bag when they do.

The collapse was triggered by a massive token unlock event. Approximately 44 million sui tokens worth over $144 million flooded the market.

The tokens poured into thin order books on Binance and Coinbase. This created a cascade effect that sent the price into freefall.

The crash set off a chain reaction across the crypto market. Total liquidations exceeded $500 million, with $100 million coming from SUI positions alone.

SUI managed a partial recovery to $2.40. However, the token still closed down 20.75% over 24 hours.

The token now trades at $2.76. Its market cap has shrunk to $10.01 billion after losing over $2.5 billion in value.

Trading volumes exploded by 294%. This reflected panic-driven moves from traders trying to exit positions.

The crash came during a broader market meltdown. President TRUMP announced an additional 100% tariff on China, effective November 1.

Market-Wide Liquidation Event

Bitcoin fell below $110,000, dropping 12% in 24 hours. ethereum tanked 16% below $3,700.

Other major cryptocurrencies suffered even worse losses. Solana, XRP and Dogecoin crashed between 20% and 30%.

Some tokens like Cardano, Chainlink and Aave fell as much as 40%. The total crypto market liquidations reached $7 billion.

BREAKING: 🇺🇸🇨🇳 President Trump to impose 100% tariff on China starting November 1st. pic.twitter.com/eBCzqjqIhh

— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) October 10, 2025

The Trump tariff announcement hit markets after traditional trading closed Friday. Bitcoin immediately dropped $3,000 when the post went live.

Technical Breakdown Continues

SUI sliced through its 7-day simple moving average at $3.40. The token also broke critical Fibonacci support at $3.26.

The breakdown triggered algorithmic selling and stop-losses. This pushed SUI toward the next support level at $2.82.

The RSI-14 indicator now sits NEAR 28. This places the token deep in oversold territory.

If SUI fails to hold above $2.82, the price could drop to $2.11. This represents the last strong technical support level.

A bounce above $3.26 WOULD signal short-term relief. However, open interest in SUI derivatives dropped 15%.

Traders appear unwilling to reenter Leveraged positions. They are waiting for volatility to settle before making new bets.

The broader market crash was compared to the March 2020 COVID-19 pandemic meltdown. Trader Bob Loukas called it “COVID level nukes” but also “a great candidate for the mother of shakeouts.”

SUI’s fate depends on whether buyers can defend current support zones. The token faces ongoing pressure from both the unlock event and broader market uncertainty driven by escalating U.S.-China trade tensions.