Circle and Tether Control Nearly 85% of the Stablecoin Market
The latest stablecoin supply data shows just how concentrated the market has become. According to the chart, Tether(USDT) and Circle (USDC) together account for 84.8% of the total stablecoin supply, underscoring their dominant role in crypto liquidity.
What the chart shows
From mid-2021 through early 2026, total stablecoin supply has expanded dramatically, recently pushing above the $300 billion mark.
While dozens of stablecoins exist, the growth has been overwhelmingly captured by two issuers:
- USDT remains the largest component throughout the entire period, consistently leading issuance during both bull markets and stress events.
- USDC holds second place, expanding strongly during risk-on phases and maintaining relevance during market downturns.
All other stablecoins, including DAI, PYUSD, USDe, USD1, and dozens of smaller tokens, collectively make up just over 15% of the market.
Why this concentration matters
Stablecoins are the primary source of on-chain liquidity. When two issuers dominate supply to this degree, they effectively shape how capital moves across exchanges, DeFi protocols, and cross-border transfers.
During periods of volatility, inflows and outflows of USDT and USDC tend to dictate short-term market dynamics. This also means that regulatory decisions, operational risks, or policy changes affecting either issuer can have system-wide consequences for crypto markets.
A barbell structure in practice
The chart highlights a clear barbell effect: massive scale at the top with USDT and USDC, and a long tail of smaller stablecoins competing for marginal relevance. Despite innovation and new launches, market participants continue to default to the most liquid and widely accepted options.
In practical terms, the data confirms that stablecoin growth has not diversified risk. Instead, it has reinforced a duopoly at the core of crypto’s monetary infrastructure, one that continues to expand as overall stablecoin supply reaches new highs.
The post Circle and Tether Control Nearly 85% of the Stablecoin Market appeared first on ETHNews.
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