Venezuelan Businesses Likely Turning to Crypto Amid Dollar Scarcity

TheNewsCryptoPublicado a 2026-03-24Actualizado a 2026-03-24

Resumen

Venezuelan businesses are increasingly likely to turn to cryptocurrency due to a severe scarcity of US dollars. Small and medium enterprises report having their dollar bids rejected without explanation, while large corporations in sectors like food, beverage, healthcare, and chemicals receive preferential access. With dollar availability down 13% compared to the same period in 2025, these smaller firms are forced to raise prices and explore alternative markets. Additionally, Venezuela is suspected of holding significant Bitcoin reserves, estimated at nearly $22 million, potentially to circumvent international sanctions. These reserves, if liquidated, could impact the global crypto market. Meanwhile, crypto prices remained stable over the past 24 hours, with BTC trading above $70,000 and projections suggesting a potential rise to around $75,661 in the next month.

There is a possibility for Venezuelan businesses to switch to the crypto segment. This is in the wake of the dollar scarcity. Firms in Venezuela are looking to raise prices before contemplating the next move. Meanwhile, crypto prices remained flatlined over the last 24 hours, with BTC and ETH maintaining their levels above the expected respective marks.

Crypto for Venezuelan Businesses?

Fewer dollars were reported to be available in early 2026 as compared to 2025. This forced small and medium businesses in Venezuela to first consider raising their prices and then moving to an alternate market due to economic threats over the industry.

Small and medium businesses have alleged that their bids of dollars have been rejected without any reason. Allocation to big businesses, on the other hand, has been happening seamlessly. Companies that are reportedly getting preferred access to dollars are large food, beverage, healthcare, and chemical companies.

Small and medium Venezuelan businesses have alleged that auctions have been limited and their reach has been limited to a few companies. Analysts have said that the availability of dollars from mid-January to early March was around $1.3 billion. This is 13% less than it was in 2025 during the same time.

Venezuela and BTC

Earlier reports underlined that Venezuela may be sitting on a BTC reserve worth millions of dollars. This is based on the region’s sanctioned exclusion from the global financial market. Experts anticipate that Venezuela may have turned to cryptocurrency, or bitcoin to be more specific, to make its way around sanctions.

There is no official worth on its reserves; however, Bitcoin Treasuries estimates that it could be worth almost $22 million. This level of holding, if & when liquidated, could have a larger impact on the global crypto market. Thereby impacting investors in a broader sense. Crypto wallets holding BTC are likely linked to generals and members of Maduro’s party.

Crypto Prices

Meanwhile, crypto prices across the segment have remained flat over the last 24 hours. BTC itself has maintained a stay above $70k. It is up by 2.34%, trading at $70,236.69, when the article is being drafted.

BTC projection estimates the flagship cryptocurrency to jump by 7.44% in the next month. This would take the token to around $75,661, amid a medium volatility of 3.63%. Overall sentiments remain bearish with an FGI of 8 points for extreme fear.

Highlighted Crypto News Today:

Hostplus Eyes Bitcoin Investment Option for Retirement Funds

TagsCryptoDollarVenezuela

Preguntas relacionadas

QWhy are Venezuelan businesses considering switching to crypto?

AVenezuelan businesses are considering switching to crypto due to a scarcity of US dollars, which is forcing them to seek alternative markets and payment methods.

QWhat is the estimated value of Venezuela's potential Bitcoin reserves according to Bitcoin Treasuries?

ABitcoin Treasuries estimates that Venezuela's potential Bitcoin reserves could be worth almost $22 million.

QHow did the availability of dollars in early 2026 compare to 2025 for Venezuelan businesses?

AThe availability of dollars from mid-January to early March 2026 was around $1.3 billion, which is 13% less than it was during the same period in 2025.

QWhich types of companies in Venezuela are reportedly getting preferred access to dollars?

ALarge food, beverage, healthcare, and chemical companies are reportedly getting preferred access to dollars.

QWhat was the price and performance of BTC at the time the article was written?

ABTC was trading at $70,236.69, up by 2.34%, and had maintained a level above $70,000 over the last 24 hours.

Lecturas Relacionadas

STRC Breaks Below $95: Why Does It Continue to Depeg? Is There Default Risk?

"STRC Falls Below $95: Why the Persistent Depegging and Is There Default Risk?" The article discusses the recent decline in the price of STRC, a perpetual preferred stock issued by Strategy (MSTR) designed to trade around a $100 par value. As of publication, STRC traded at $94.65, raising market concerns. STRC is described as a high-yield cash flow product, offering an 11.50% annual dividend paid monthly. Its "preferred" status grants it priority over common stock for dividends and in liquidation. Key reasons cited for the price depegging include: 1. **Bitcoin's Price Drop:** MSTR's assets are heavily tied to Bitcoin (BTC), which fell over 21% from its recent high, pressuring all Strategy-related products. 2. **Competitive Pressure:** Rival Strive Asset Management's similar product, SATA, offers daily dividends and has maintained its $100 par value with a ~13% yield. In response, Strategy has proposed changing STRC's dividend frequency from monthly to bi-weekly, pending shareholder vote. 3. **Technical Selling:** A break below $100 may have triggered algorithmic selling and stop-losses, exacerbating the decline. Regarding default risk, the analysis suggests it is currently low. Strategy founder Michael Saylor confirmed the June 2026 dividend rate remains at 11.50% with no cuts or suspensions. The company's massive reserve of 843,706 BTC provides a significant backstop for its obligations. Industry opinions are mixed. Some analysts view the BTC holdings as reliable support for dividends, while critics like Peter Schiff warn of potential dividend cuts leading to price crashes and lawsuits. Others highlight inflation risk and the company's ability to reduce dividends without a formal default. In summary, STRC's drop is attributed to BTC volatility, competition, and technical factors. While immediate default risk appears contained, the product faces challenges from market conditions and competitive dynamics.

marsbitHace 1 hora(s)

STRC Breaks Below $95: Why Does It Continue to Depeg? Is There Default Risk?

marsbitHace 1 hora(s)

AI Trading Cools, South Korean Stocks Plunge 1.8%, Spot Gold Rises 1%, Bitcoin Dives

A sell-off in AI-related stocks, triggered by Broadcom's disappointing earnings forecast, sent shockwaves through global markets. South Korea's KOSPI led Asia's decline, plunging 1.8% as the risks from concentrated chip stock gains and surging leveraged investments came to the fore. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.5% following Broadcom's 14% after-hours plunge, which signaled a slower-than-expected transition to AI clients. This pullback extended Wall Street's weakness, halting the S&P 500's nine-day rally amid hawkish Fed signals and renewed Middle East tensions. South Korean authorities convened an emergency meeting, pledging "immediate measures" against market volatility and warning of record-high stock margin debt. The adjustment rippled across assets: Bitcoin fell to around $64,000, its lowest since February, while safe-haven gold rose 1% on bargain hunting. Oil prices dipped on Middle East ceasefire news. Market analysts noted the sell-off was driven by profit-taking after massive gains, particularly in chip stocks like Samsung and SK Hynix, which now dominate the KOSPI. Wall Street banks are divided on Korea's outlook, with Goldman Sachs raising its target while Citigroup and others warn of overvaluation and a potential bubble. Bridgewater's Ray Dalio noted that great technological shifts often create bubbles. Meanwhile, Fed officials' hints at potential future rate hikes added to the cautious mood ahead of key U.S. jobs data.

华尔街日报Hace 2 hora(s)

AI Trading Cools, South Korean Stocks Plunge 1.8%, Spot Gold Rises 1%, Bitcoin Dives

华尔街日报Hace 2 hora(s)

Trading

Spot
Futuros
活动图片