The third week of January 2026 stands out as a pivotal observation period for the cryptocurrency market. According to Token Unlocks, several projects—including Official Trump (TRUMP), Arbitrum (ARB), and ZKsync (ZK)—are set to undergo major token unlocks, with the total value of tokens released exceeding $300 million.
TRUMP’s unlock is especially notable, with approximately 50 million tokens (representing 11.95% of its circulating supply) scheduled for release on January 18. This batch is valued at around $271 million and could have a significant impact on the token’s market liquidity.
Token Unlock Overview
In the third week of January 2026, the cryptocurrency market will experience a wave of substantial token unlocks. Token Unlocks’ latest data shows that several major projects will release large volumes of tokens into circulation this week. These unlocks span projects of varying market capitalization, ranging from politically themed tokens to mainstream Layer 2 solutions, providing a diverse set of case studies for market participants.
Token unlocks are a routine occurrence in the crypto market, typically linked to initial allocations, team incentives, or ecosystem development plans. When previously locked tokens enter circulation, they can increase market supply and potentially exert downward pressure on prices. At the same time, unlock events serve as key moments to assess project fundamentals and gauge market sentiment.
Key Data
Below are the main token unlock details for the third week of January 2026:
Major Token Unlock Schedule (Beijing Time)
| Token Name | Unlock Time | Unlock Amount | % of Circulating Supply | Unlock Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Trump (TRUMP) | Jan 18, 8:00 | ~50,000,000 | 11.95% | ~$271,000,000 |
| Connex (CONX) | Jan 15, 8:00 | ~1,320,000 | 1.59% | ~$20,400,000 |
| Arbitrum (ARB) | Jan 16, 21:00 | ~92,650,000 | 1.86% | ~$19,200,000 |
| Cheelee (CHEEL) | Jan 13, 8:00 | ~20,810,000 | 2.78% | ~$11,600,000 |
| deBridge (DBR) | Jan 17, 8:00 | ~618,000,000 | 14.81% | ~$11,600,000 |
| Starknet (STRK) | Jan 15, 8:00 | ~127,000,000 | 4.83% | ~$10,400,000 |
| Sei (SEI) | Jan 15, 20:00 | ~55,560,000 | 1.05% | ~$6,700,000 |
| ZKsync (ZK) | Jan 17, 16:00 | ~173,000,000 | 3.16% | ~$5,900,000 |
Among these unlocks, TRUMP is undoubtedly the center of attention. Its unlock ratio reaches 11.95% of circulating supply, far surpassing other projects—a level that historically signals heightened market volatility. According to Gate’s market data, as of January 12, 2026, TRUMP was trading at approximately $5.42. The token has seen notable price swings over the past week, likely reflecting market anticipation of the upcoming massive unlock.
Layer 2 solution tokens ARB and ZK are also in the spotlight. ARB will unlock about 92.65 million tokens, accounting for 1.86% of its circulating supply, while ZK will release roughly 173 million tokens, or 3.16%. Gate’s market data shows ARB currently trading around $0.207 and ZK at about $0.0341. Both tokens have exhibited range-bound price action over the past month.
Market Impact
Large-scale token unlocks do not always move prices in a single direction; their impact depends on a complex interplay of factors. The actual selling pressure from unlocked tokens hinges on who receives them—early investors, team members, or foundations may each have different approaches to handling their newly unlocked assets. Market sentiment and the broader environment are also crucial. In bullish conditions, unlocks can be seen as milestones of project maturity; in bearish periods, they are more likely viewed as sources of additional sell pressure.
Take ARB for example. As a major Ethereum Layer 2 solution, its ongoing ecosystem growth may help offset potential selling pressure from the unlock. Similarly, ZK, a leading project in the ZK-Rollup space, benefits from technical progress and ecosystem expansion, which are key factors for market participants.
Historically, there is no consistent pattern in post-unlock price performance. Some projects experience short-term price corrections before recovering, while others with strong fundamentals show little impact. For investors, focusing on project fundamentals, the makeup of token recipients, and overall market conditions is more important than fixating solely on the unlock event.
Strategies for Participants
With these token unlocks approaching, market participants can consider several strategies. Closely monitoring Gate’s real-time price and volume data is essential. Technical analysis tools can help identify key support and resistance levels, providing guidance on potential market direction.
For long-term investors, token unlocks may present rare buying opportunities, especially if market overreaction temporarily pushes prices below intrinsic value. For short-term traders, unlock periods typically bring increased volatility, which can be both risky and rewarding. Sound position management and stop-loss strategies are especially important in these conditions. Regardless of approach, making decisions based on thorough information rather than emotion remains crucial in crypto trading.
Weekly Outlook
The token unlocks in the third week of January 2026 will test the resilience of both the involved projects and the broader crypto market. TRUMP’s massive unlock is particularly noteworthy and could set a new benchmark for politically themed tokens. The ARB and ZK unlocks reflect ongoing momentum in the Layer 2 space, where these projects play key roles in expanding the Ethereum ecosystem. Market reactions to other tokens such as CONX, STRK, and SEI will also provide valuable insights into investor confidence across different sectors and market caps.
Token unlocks are just one of many factors influencing crypto prices. Macro-economic conditions, regulatory developments, technological innovation, and adoption rates often have a more profound impact over longer timeframes. For market participants, staying informed and relying on rational analysis—rather than reacting impulsively to events—is the best way to navigate changing market dynamics. Gate will continue to provide comprehensive market data and analytical tools to help traders make informed decisions in this evolving environment.
As of January 12, Gate’s market data shows that most tokens set to unlock have already experienced varying degrees of price volatility, suggesting the market is pricing in these events ahead of time. TRUMP’s price fluctuated by more than 15% over the past week, highlighting intense investor focus on this major unlock. Layer 2 tokens like ARB and ZK have shown relatively stable technical consolidation, indicating the market may have a firmer grasp of their long-term value. When a large volume of new tokens enters the market in a short period, prices often seek a new equilibrium—creating a unique window to observe market depth and liquidity.
