This week's large unlocks are coming: how will tokens like TRUMP, ARB, ZK, and others perform?

The third week of January 2026 is undoubtedly an important observation period for the cryptocurrency market — according to Token Unlocks data, multiple projects including Official Trump (TRUMP), Arbitrum (ARB), and ZKsync (ZK) will experience large-scale token unlocks, with a total release value exceeding $300 million.

Among them, TRUMP’s unlock scale is particularly prominent, with approximately 50 million tokens (11.95% of circulating supply) set to be released on January 18, worth about $271 million. This could have a significant impact on the market liquidity of the related token.

Unlock Overview

In the third week of January 2026, the cryptocurrency market will witness a wave of significant token unlocks. According to the latest Token Unlocks data, several important projects will release large amounts of tokens into circulation this week. This unlock wave involves projects of varying market capitalizations, from politically themed tokens to mainstream Layer2 solutions, providing market participants with diverse observation samples.

Token unlocking is a routine event in the crypto market, often related to initial project allocations, team incentives, or ecosystem development plans. When these previously locked tokens enter circulation, they may increase market supply, potentially exerting downward pressure on prices. At the same time, it is a key moment to assess project fundamentals and market confidence.

Key Data

Below are the specific data for major token unlocks in the third week of January 2026:

Major Token Unlock Schedule (Beijing Time)

In this token unlock event, TRUMP is undoubtedly the most watched project. Its unlock ratio reaches 11.95% of circulating supply, far exceeding other projects, which historically often signals increased market volatility. According to Gate market data, as of January 12, 2026, TRUMP’s trading price was about $5.42, with noticeable price fluctuations over the past week, possibly already reflecting market expectations for the upcoming large-scale unlock.

Layer2 solution tokens ARB and ZK are also highly anticipated. ARB will unlock approximately 92.65 million tokens, accounting for 1.86% of circulating supply; ZK will unlock about 173 million tokens, representing 3.16%. Based on Gate market data, ARB is currently trading around $0.207, and ZK around $0.0341, both showing range-bound movements over the past month.

Market Impact

The impact of large-scale token unlocks on market prices is not unidirectional but depends on multiple interacting factors. The actual selling pressure from the unlock depends on the nature of the recipients; tokens held by early investors, team members, or foundations may have different disposal strategies. Market sentiment and the overall environment are also crucial. In a bull market, token unlocks may be seen as signs of project maturity; in a bear market, they are more likely to be viewed as additional selling pressure.

For example, ARB, as an important Ethereum Layer2 solution, continues to develop its ecosystem, which may partly offset potential selling pressure from the unlock. Similarly, ZK, as a representative project in the ZK-Rollup field, its technological progress and ecosystem expansion are also key factors in market considerations.

Historical data shows that prices after large token unlocks do not follow a uniform pattern. Some projects experience short-term price adjustments followed by gradual recovery, while others with strong fundamentals remain largely unaffected. For investors, paying attention to project fundamentals, the composition of token recipients, and overall market conditions is more important than focusing solely on the unlock event itself.

Response Strategies

In the face of upcoming token unlock events, market participants can consider various strategies. Monitoring real-time price data and trading volume changes provided by Gate is essential. Using technical analysis tools to identify key support and resistance levels can help judge potential market directions.

For long-term investors, token unlocks may create rare entry opportunities, especially when the market overreacts and prices temporarily fall below intrinsic value. Short-term traders should be aware that volatility often increases during unlock periods, presenting both risks and opportunities. Proper position management and stop-loss strategies are especially important in such situations. Regardless of the approach, making decisions based on sufficient information rather than emotions is always key in crypto trading.

Weekly Outlook

The token unlock events in the third week of January 2026 will test the resilience of related projects and the entire crypto market. The large-scale unlock of TRUMP is particularly noteworthy, as its performance may set a new market benchmark for the political-themed token segment. The unlocks of Layer2 tokens ARB and ZK reflect ongoing development in this field, with these projects playing a critical role in expanding the Ethereum ecosystem. Market reactions to other tokens like CONX, STRK, and SEI will also provide valuable insights, indicating investor confidence across different sectors and market caps.

Token unlocking is just one of many factors influencing cryptocurrency prices. Macroeconomic environment, regulatory developments, technological innovation, and adoption rates often play more significant roles over longer timeframes. For market participants, staying informed, analyzing rationally, and avoiding reactionary decisions are the best ways to navigate market changes. Gate will continue providing comprehensive market data and analysis tools to help traders make informed decisions in a constantly evolving environment.

As of January 12, Gate market data shows that most of the tokens about to unlock have already experienced varying degrees of price fluctuations, indicating the market is digesting this event in advance. TRUMP’s price has fluctuated over 15% in the past week, reflecting high investor attention to this large-scale unlock. Layer2 tokens like ARB and ZK show relatively stable technical consolidation patterns, suggesting the market may have a more thorough understanding of their long-term value. When a large influx of new tokens enters the market in a short period, prices tend to seek new equilibrium points, creating a unique window to observe market depth and liquidity.