El Salvador Defies IMF Conditions, Expands Bitcoin Holdings with Additional Purchase
Despite IMF Loan Agreement, El Salvador Continues Aggressive Bitcoin Accumulation
El Salvador has once again bolstered its Bitcoin reserves, acquiring an additional 6 BTC over the weekend—5 BTC in one purchase, plus the usual 1 BTC per day. This latest addition comes just days after the nation took advantage of a market dip to buy another 5 BTC.
According to El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office, the country's total Bitcoin holdings have now reached 6,111.18 BTC, a stash currently valued at approximately $504 million based on market prices. This marks a significant increase from the 5,700 BTC the nation held at the start of 2025, underscoring its unwavering commitment to Bitcoin accumulation.
Nayib Bukele Stands Firm on Bitcoin Strategy
President Nayib Bukele has remained steadfast in his pro-Bitcoin stance, dismissing external pressures to slow down purchases. Addressing his 7.3 million followers on X, Bukele reaffirmed that El Salvador’s BTC accumulation strategy remains unchanged.
"If it didn’t stop when the world ostracized us and most ‘bitcoiners’ abandoned us, it won’t stop now, and it won’t stop in the future," Bukele wrote, signaling his long-term vision for Bitcoin adoption in the country.
Defying IMF’s Conditions on BTC Purchases
El Salvador’s latest Bitcoin acquisition comes in direct contrast to conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In February, the IMF approved a $1.4 billion loan for the country, stipulating that Bitcoin purchases should be limited due to concerns over volatility, financial stability, and fiscal risks.
In response to these conditions, El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly passed a bill modifying its Bitcoin adoption strategy, aligning with IMF requirements. The bill was approved by Congress with 55 votes in favor and just two against, according to Reuters.
However, despite the agreement, El Salvador continues to accumulate Bitcoin, signaling its intent to maintain a dual-currency system where both BTC and USD play integral roles in the national economy. Government officials insist that the country’s dollar-based financial system remains stable even as Bitcoin adoption expands.
El Salvador’s Vision: A Global Bitcoin Hub
Beyond accumulating BTC, El Salvador is actively investing in infrastructure projects that solidify its status as a global Bitcoin pioneer. The country is currently developing Bitcoin City Airport, a transport hub designed to connect the planned Bitcoin City with international destinations.
Construction on the Pacific Airport, as the project is officially called, began in February, with President Nayib Bukele personally laying its foundation. A recently released official government video highlights the project’s progress, reinforcing El Salvador’s ambitious vision to position itself at the forefront of global Bitcoin adoption.
As the nation continues to chart its own course in the crypto space, its defiance of traditional financial institutions like the IMF remains a defining aspect of its Bitcoin experiment. Whether this bold strategy will pay off in the long run remains to be seen—but for now, El Salvador is showing no signs of slowing down.
