Why Is Bitcoin Price Stuck? Key Levels and Policy Uncertainty Weigh on BTC

Bitcoin Consolidates in Tight Range Amid Mixed Macro Signals

Bitcoin (BTC) continues to trade sideways, caught in a narrow $3,000 price band since April 9, as macroeconomic uncertainty and key technical resistance levels combine to restrict bullish momentum.

As of April 14, Bitcoin is trading at around $84,409, according to data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and Bitstamp. The leading cryptocurrency has been oscillating between $83,000 and $86,000, showing no clear signs of a breakout.

Analysts suggest this pause in volatility could persist for several more days unless there’s a catalyst—particularly from the U.S. policy front.

BTC/USD four-hour chart. TradingView

Trump’s Tariff Flip-Flops Fuel Market Uncertainty

One of the major factors behind Bitcoin’s stagnant price action is mounting confusion around U.S. trade policy—specifically, tariffs on tech products, which play a crucial role in the crypto infrastructure ecosystem.

Key Developments:

• On April 11, President Trump announced tariff exemptions for various technology goods such as semiconductors, smartphones, and computing equipment. The news initially sparked a small rally in Bitcoin, signaling optimism about reduced pressure on supply chains.

• However, by April 13, that optimism faded when Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick backtracked, noting the tariff relief was temporary. President Trump later confirmed that the final tariff rates would be revealed next week, though he hinted at flexibility for some firms.

• The ambiguity surrounding which products are truly exempt has left investors unsure how to price in the news. According to The Kobeissi Letter, the White House’s Executive Order 14257 didn’t create new exemptions—it merely clarified that certain goods were never intended to be taxed at the 145% rate.

“This was a complete misunderstanding by almost everyone involved,” The Kobeissi Letter wrote on April 14, referring to confusion over the tariff list.

As a result, many traders are taking a wait-and-see approach, unwilling to make large moves until there is clear policy direction. This uncertainty extends to institutional players and miners who depend on global tech supply chains.

BTC Trapped Between Major Moving Averages

On the technical side, Bitcoin is currently sandwiched between two crucial moving averages, reinforcing a tight trading range that could continue in the short term.

BTC/USD daily chart. Source:TradingView

Key Technical Levels:

• Support: The 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) near $84,400 is acting as short-term support.

• Resistance: The 200-day SMA at $87,500 remains a formidable resistance level, capping any breakout attempts.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is hovering around 52, indicating a neutral zone where neither bulls nor bears are in control. This reflects a market in balance but also at risk of tipping sharply in either direction based on new catalysts.

Moreover, Bitcoin’s liquidation heatmap shows dense sell orders near the 200-day SMA and heavy bid support just below the 50-day SMA, highlighting strong liquidity zones that are keeping price locked in place.

What to Watch Moving Forward

For Bitcoin to regain bullish momentum, a decisive breakout above the 200-day SMA is essential. Doing so would likely set up a challenge of the psychological $90,000 level, which has become a key target for traders.

Conversely, if BTC slips below the 50-day SMA, it could trigger a deeper correction, possibly pulling prices down to the next major support near $80,000 or lower.

Bitcoin liquidation heatmap. Source: CoinGlass

Ultimately, BTC’s next big move hinges on a combination of technical breakout confirmation and clarity on U.S. trade and economic policy. Until then, Bitcoin is likely to remain range-bound in a low-volatility environment.

Bitcoin is stuck between technical resistance and macroeconomic fog. Until there’s a clear policy shift or breakout above key moving averages, BTC may continue to trade sideways. Traders remain cautious, waiting for a stronger signal.