In a landmark development for the blockchain and stablecoin ecosystem, Tron has officially reclaimed its position as the leading network for USDT issuance. According to the latest data from Tether’s official website, the amount of USDT circulating on the Tron blockchain has surpassed 75.7 billion, overtaking Ethereum and accounting for over 50.2% of the total USDT supply. This milestone reaffirms Tron’s dominance in the stablecoin space and marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of decentralized finance (DeFi).
This achievement comes on the heels of other major developments for the Tron network, including surpassing 300 million user accounts and submitting an application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a TRX spot ETF. As the blockchain landscape evolves, Tron continues to solidify its role as a foundational pillar of global digital finance.
👉 Discover how Tron is shaping the future of blockchain transactions and stablecoin adoption.
Tron Reclaims the Crown: Why Market Dynamics Favored a Shift
Since mid-2023, Tron has experienced consistent growth in USDT issuance, expanding at a rate of more than $1 billion per month**. In the first half of 2025 alone, over **$16 billion worth of new USDT was minted on the Tron network. On May 15, 2025, Tron officially surpassed Ethereum in total USDT circulation — a significant reversal after Ethereum briefly held the lead during the previous six months.
The shift reflects clear market preferences. While Ethereum remains a cornerstone of DeFi innovation, its high gas fees and slower transaction speeds have driven users and institutions toward more efficient alternatives. Tron’s combination of near-zero transaction costs, sub-second settlement times, and proven network stability has made it the go-to platform for stablecoin transfers and payments.
“Over half of all USDT is now on Tron,” said Tron founder Justin Sun. “That 0.2% beyond 50% might seem small, but it represents a turning point. We’re not just aiming for a trillion — it’s not a dream, it’s a forecast.”
The momentum was further amplified when World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency initiative linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump, announced in early May 2025 that it would integrate its USD1 stablecoin with the Tron network. This strategic move not only strengthens Tron’s stablecoin ecosystem but also brings in new liquidity pools and a broader user base.
Performance Metrics That Speak Volumes
Tron isn’t just leading in USDT issuance — it dominates across key performance indicators:
- Daily transactions: Over 8 million
- Daily transaction volume: Exceeds $25 billion
- Decentralized exchange (DEX) volume growth: Up 40% in April 2025, jumping from $3.4 billion to $4.9 billion
These figures underscore Tron’s role as one of the most active and scalable public blockchains today. Its infrastructure supports everything from peer-to-peer payments to complex DeFi protocols, all while maintaining low latency and minimal costs.
The Rise of Chinese Blockchain Innovation: Tron’s Global Impact
Tron’s resurgence is not just a technical victory — it's a testament to the growing influence of Chinese blockchain innovators on the global stage. Founded by Justin Sun, Tron has evolved from a promising Layer-1 project into a core component of the world’s decentralized financial infrastructure.
Sun, known for his forward-thinking vision and deep understanding of market dynamics, has consistently pushed Tron toward greater utility and adoption. He frequently speaks at international blockchain conferences, advocating for open financial systems and interoperable digital economies.
Beyond technological advancement, Sun has prioritized regulatory compliance and financial security. In September 2024, Tron partnered with Tether and TRM Labs to launch the T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU), which successfully froze over $150 million in illicit funds linked to cybercrime and money laundering. This initiative highlights Tron’s commitment to building a secure, transparent, and responsible blockchain environment.
Moreover, during the 2025 Hong Kong Crypto Finance Summit, Sun introduced a groundbreaking concept: issuing TRON addresses for AI agents. This idea paves the way for autonomous AI systems to participate directly in blockchain economies — owning assets, executing transactions, and interacting with smart contracts.
👉 Explore how next-gen blockchain networks are enabling AI-driven financial ecosystems.
Building the Future: Tron as Global Financial Infrastructure
Tron’s success is rooted in its ability to meet real-world demands. With over 10.3 billion total transactions and more than 306 million unique accounts as of May 2025, it stands as one of the most widely used blockchains globally.
Its appeal spans diverse markets:
- In emerging economies, Tron enables fast, low-cost cross-border remittances.
- In DeFi hubs, developers leverage its high throughput for scalable dApps.
- Enterprises use Tron for tokenization and supply chain tracking.
CryptoQuant researcher Maartunn noted: “The rise in Tron’s USDT issuance isn’t accidental — it reflects unmatched trust, efficiency, and user adoption.”
Unlike networks hampered by congestion and cost, Tron offers a seamless experience that scales with demand. As more users migrate from Ethereum due to prohibitive fees, Tron becomes an increasingly attractive alternative for both retail and institutional players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is Tron now the top network for USDT?
A: Tron offers faster transactions, lower fees, and higher scalability compared to Ethereum. These advantages make it ideal for high-frequency stablecoin transfers, especially in payment and remittance use cases.
Q: Does Tether operate differently on Tron than on other blockchains?
A: No — USDT on Tron (TRC-20) is fully backed and functions identically to USDT on other chains like Ethereum (ERC-20). The difference lies in cost and speed, not value or backing.
Q: Is Tron decentralized enough to be trusted?
A: While debates about centralization persist, Tron has made strides in improving transparency and governance. Initiatives like the T3 FCU partnership demonstrate active efforts to enhance security and regulatory alignment.
Q: Can TRX be used beyond transferring USDT?
A: Absolutely. TRX powers smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), staking, bandwidth allocation, and governance within the Tron ecosystem.
Q: What does this mean for Ethereum’s position in DeFi?
A: Ethereum remains dominant in complex DeFi protocols and institutional-grade applications. However, for stablecoin volume and everyday transactions, Tron now leads in throughput and accessibility.
Q: How does AI integration work on Tron?
A: Justin Sun’s proposal allows AI models to have their own TRON addresses, enabling them to hold tokens, pay for services, and interact with DeFi platforms autonomously — a step toward machine-to-machine economies.
👉 See how leading blockchains are integrating AI with financial protocols.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Blockchain Evolution
Tron’s reclamation of the top spot in USDT issuance is more than a statistical shift — it signals a broader transformation in how value moves across the internet. By focusing on speed, affordability, and real-world usability, Tron has positioned itself at the forefront of blockchain adoption.
As global demand for digital payments grows — fueled by DeFi, AI, and financial inclusion — networks like Tron will play an increasingly central role. With strong fundamentals, continuous innovation, and expanding partnerships, Tron is not just participating in the future of finance — it's helping build it.
The trillion-dollar horizon isn't fantasy. It's already in motion.