Bitcoin Whales Hit Record 20,338 Wallets as US Becomes Net Importer of BTC in 2026

• Bitcoin whale wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC reached a record high of 20,338, pointing to increased activity among large holders
• US Bitcoin imports turned positive for the first time since 2022, as large transactions drove net inflows despite retail investors selling
• Bitcoin’s price outlook remains uncertain as rising whale activity and institutional demand compete with market volatility and macroeconomic pressures

Bitcoin whales are currently showing strong activity, supporting the asset’s presence in the financial market. According to the latest Santiment report, the number of wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC has hit a record high of 20,338. At the same time, a new Chainalysis report found that the US has become a net importer of BTC, with institutional investors continuing to accumulate Bitcoin. Will these two developments help the Bitcoin price hit a new ATH soon?

Also Read: Can HYPE Price Reach $100 as Hyperliquid Founder Pitches Wall Street Trading Model?

Bitcoin Whales Reach A New Record

The number of Bitcoin wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC has now hit a new milestone of 20,338. The latest Santiment report outlined this change, showing how the count has risen sharply since mid-July despite the Bitcoin price showing considerable volatility. These wallets often show a pattern in BTC accumulation, indicating the steady interest in the asset. The rising whale activity has always been a reflection of strong asset health, making it a bullish marker for the markets to assess and consider. 

The rising count further suggests that more wallets holding substantial amounts of Bitcoin are appearing despite the intense fluctuations the asset has encountered recently. Whether this trend continues could offer investors another signal to watch alongside price movements and trading activity.

“Bitcoin’s key stakeholder wallets keep multiplying. There are now 20,338 wallets holding 10 to 10K BTC, an all-time high after climbing sharply since mid-July despite plenty of BTC price volatility. This cohort has historically shown a close relationship with Bitcoin’s future price direction. When more large holders enter this range while prices chop around, it suggests deep-pocketed investors remain confident rather than fleeing during weakness.”

The Bitcoin price has lately encountered volatility amid concerns about rising inflation and bond yields. The asset is sitting at $82K at press time, after briefly touching $84K this past week.

Also Read: Ethereum Price Takes Bigger Hit Than Bitcoin After CPI as Liquidations Top $283M

US Becomes Net Importer of Bitcoin

According to Chainalysis, US Bitcoin imports turned positive in 2026 for the first time since 2022, as large transactions brought more BTC into the country than flowed out.The US has become a leading net importer of Bitcoin in 2026. A latest Chainalysis report outlined this change, stating that BTC transfers worth less than $10,000 flowed out of the country on a net basis, while larger transactions brought Bitcoin into the country. Transactions above $10 million alone accounted for 53,200 BTC in net inflows.

This shows how the US bitcoin imports are becoming a key part of the market as institutions increase their exposure to BTC.

“According to a Chainalysis report, the U.S. became a net importer of Bitcoin in 2026 for the first time since 2022, with institutions continuing to buy Bitcoin while retail investors were net sellers. Since the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024, the U.S. share of global Bitcoin activity has increased in every reporting period. Meanwhile, the U.S. crypto economy totaled $2.78 trillion, down 2.2% quarter over quarter, while dollar-backed stablecoins continued to expand in overseas payments and cross-border commerce, generating billions of dollars in economic activity for U.S. companies and the government.”

These developments point to continued activity among large Bitcoin holders and significant cross-border flows into the US.

According to CoinCodex, the BTC price is expected to hit $177,471 by 2030. Per the MarketCapOf crypto calculator tool, a $1000 investment in Bitcoin at a present price of $82K may end up delivering returns worth $1167 by the time the asset hits $177,747. However one must remember that the crypto markets are subjected to intense volatility hence user discretion is advised before making any investment related decisions. 

Also Read: Anthropic Revenue Hits $16.8B as TSMC Profit Jumps 69%, What Lies Ahead for AI Stocks?