TRON (TRX) in 2025: Why Justin Sun’s Ecosystem Could Reshape Stablecoin Transfers, DeFi and Beyond

Key Facts (as of 5 Oct 2025)

• Mass‑adoption metrics: The TRON blockchain uses a delegated proof‑of‑stake (DPoS) consensus with 27 super representatives, processes transactions every ~3 seconds and can handle up to 1,200–2,000 TPS ^{[1] [2]}. It has maintained 100 % network uptime and charges extremely low fees (~US$0.0003) thanks to a resource model where users stake TRX for bandwidth/energy ^{[3] [4]}. By October 2025, TRON had over 335 million user accounts, more than 11 billion total transactions and over US$27 billion in total value locked (TVL) ^[5].
• Stablecoin powerhouse: TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USDT. Estimates from mid‑2025 suggest the network holds 81–83 billion USDT, representing about half of Tether’s total supply ^{[6] [7]}. Daily USDT transfers on TRON exceed US$21–23 billion ^{[8] [9]} and the average transaction fee is only about 0.0003 USDT ^[10]. In September 2025 the network processed 279 million transactions (≈40 % of all crypto transactions) and moved US$687 billion worth of USDT, with 2.83 million daily active addresses ^[11].
• TRX supply dynamics: About 89 % of the TRX supply is staked in early October 2025, creating a supply squeeze that reduces liquidity but increases price volatility ^[12]. TRON’s community passed a 60 % fee‑reduction proposal in August 2025, cutting network transaction fees from 210 sun to 100 sun and reducing average fees from US$1.48 to ≈US$0.59 ^[13].
• Key recent upgrades: Mainnet v4.8.0 (June 2025) added compatibility with Ethereum’s Cancun upgrade and introduced Substreams for real‑time data. The network integrated deBridge for cross‑chain messaging and liquidity to 25+ blockchains, and TRON’s roadmap includes USDD 2.0 mining and more cross‑chain bridges ^{[14] [15]}.
• DeFi & NFT ecosystem: TRON hosts about 1,900 active dApps and supports DeFi services like SunSwap (≈US$3.8 billion monthly swaps) and JustLend DAO (≈US$5.95 billion TVL) ^{[16] [17]}. The ecosystem includes the USDD stablecoin, BitTorrent Chain (BTTC) for cross‑chain bridging, APENFT marketplace, WINkLink oracle, SunPerp/Sun Wukong perpetual DEX, and the SunPump meme‑token platform ^{[18] [19]}.
• October 2025 price: TRX trades around US$0.34 with support near US$0.33 and resistance at US$0.35–0.37 ^[20]. Analysts note the Relative Strength Index (RSI) near 50 and an improving MACD, signalling consolidation rather than a strong trend ^[21]. Technical analysts expect a break above US$0.35–0.37 could push TRX toward US$0.37–0.42 ^{[22] [23]}.

Inside TRON’s Blockchain Architecture

Delegated Proof‑of‑Stake and Resource Model

TRON’s delegated proof‑of‑stake (DPoS) design elects 27 super representatives who validate blocks and earn rewards. This limited validator set allows the network to reach block finality in about 3 seconds and to scale to 1,200–2,000 transactions per second, far higher than Ethereum’s base layer ^{[24] [25]}. To control spam, TRON uses a resource‑based fee model: users freeze TRX to obtain bandwidth (for data) and energy (for computational steps), which can make many transfers effectively free. A gas‑free USDT feature introduced in March 2025 lets users pay fees directly in USDT rather than holding TRX ^[26].

TRX Token Utility

TRX is the network’s fuel. It is used to pay transaction fees, stake for resources, vote for super representatives and secure the network. Because most network fees are paid in the form of burned TRX, the token has deflationary pressure. TRX also acts as collateral in the JustLend lending platform and is used to mint the USDD stablecoin.

BitTorrent Chain (BTTC) and Cross‑Chain Connectivity

To extend beyond its own network, TRON and BitTorrent developed BitTorrent Chain (BTTC). BTTC is an EVM‑compatible proof‑of‑stake sidechain that can process 7,000 TPS with 2–3 second block times and gas fees under US$0.01 ^[27]. BTTC uses a three‑layer architecture—root contracts, delivery layer (validators), and the BTTC chain—to map tokens from Ethereum, TRON and BNB Chain. Twelve validators stake 46 billion BTT (about 5 % of the supply) to secure the chain and produce blocks ^[28]. BTTC allows one‑click 1:1 conversions of wrapped tokens via the BTTC Converter and plans to support additional chains ^[29].

The network expanded cross‑chain capabilities further in August 2025 by integrating deBridge, enabling instant asset transfers and authenticated messages across 25+ blockchains without relying on wrapped tokens ^[30]. A report notes that TRON hosts 81.4 billion USDT (≈49 % of supply) and processes US$23 billion in daily transfers across 327 million accounts, making it a key liquidity gateway ^[31].

Stablecoins and USDD 2.0

TRON’s USDD stablecoin launched in 2022 and was upgraded to USDD 2.0 in 2025. The new version allows users to mint USDD using TRX and USDT, moving toward a fully collateralized design ^[32]. USDD aims to maintain its peg through over‑collateralization and peg‑stability modules. A Peg Stability Module (PSM) introduced in September 2025 enables zero‑slippage swaps between USDD, USDT and USDC on Ethereum, and yields of up to 12 % APY ^[33]. TRON DAO has also integrated gas‑free USDT transfers; users can pay network fees directly with USDT, reducing the need to hold TRX ^[34].

In early 2025, TRON processed 2.3–2.4 million daily USDT transfers, 6.8× more than Ethereum ^[35]. The network’s dominance led to a supply surge: in mid‑2025, 23 billion new USDT tokens were minted on TRON, pushing the network’s USDT supply over 82 billion and accounting for about 50 % of all USDT ^[36]. Analysts observe that the increase in USDT supply is strongly correlated with TRX price appreciation ^[37].

DeFi, NFTs and dApps

TRON’s DeFi landscape revolves around:

• SunSwap – the network’s flagship DEX, processing ≈US$3.8 billion in monthly swaps ^[38];
• JustLend DAO – a lending protocol with ≈US$5.95 billion TVL ^[39], where users supply TRX, USDT and other assets to earn yields;
• JustStable / USDD – a stablecoin minting module; and
• JustStaking – a staking product for TRX.

The NFT space is anchored by APENFT, which offers an NFT marketplace, GameFi, and the TRONscription marketplace for inscription‑style assets ^[40]. WINkLink serves as the primary oracle network, providing price feeds and random numbers to dApps ^[41]. SunPump is a fair‑launch platform for meme tokens, and SunPerp (rebranded to Sun Wukong) is a perpetual DEX that combines centralized‑exchange efficiency with DeFi self‑custody. Sun Wukong attracted over 10,000 users and ≈US$900 million trading volume during beta testing; it features zero‑gas trading, a dark‑pool mode for privacy, professional tools and cross‑chain support ^[42]. A new Sun Wukong brand launched to appeal to Asian users and to position TRON as a “trading chain” rather than merely a payment chain ^[43].

Recent News (Late September – Early October 2025)

1. Supply squeeze and staking dominance – Research from CoinMarketCap AI and AMBCrypto notes that ≈89 % of the circulating TRX is staked, drastically reducing liquid supply and potentially driving price volatility. Analysts argue that while a shortage of liquid TRX may push prices higher, it also means the market can move sharply if stakers unwind positions ^{[44] [45]}.
2. Record transaction volumes and fee reduction – TRON processed 279 million transactions in September 2025 (≈40 % of total crypto activity) and transferred US$687 billion of USDT ^[46]. A 60 % fee‑reduction proposal in August cut network fees from 210 sun to 100 sun, reducing average transaction costs to about US$0.59, while network revenue dropped from US$13.9 million to US$5 million ^[47].
3. SunPerp/Sun Wukong launch – TRON DAO launched its decentralized perpetual exchange at TOKEN2049. The platform recorded ≈US$900 million in trading volume and introduced features like zero‑gas trades, dark‑pool mode and a SUN‑token buy‑back mechanism ^[48]. It marks TRON’s push to reposition itself from a payment chain to a trading chain ^[49].
4. Mainnet upgrades and cross‑chain expansion – Mainnet v4.8.0 added compatibility with Ethereum’s Cancun upgrade, while Substreams integration enhanced real‑time data streaming ^[50]. deBridge integration unlocked instant cross‑chain transfers to 25+ blockchains and emphasised TRON’s role as a global stablecoin settlement layer ^[51]. The network also announced upcoming features like USDD 2.0 mining and further cross‑chain bridges ^[52].
5. PayPal USD (PYUSD) integration – TRON partnered with LayerZero to support a permissionless PYUSD0 token, enabling PayPal USD to circulate on TRON via the OFT (OmniChain Fungible Token) standard ^[53]. Analysts expect this partnership to boost TRON’s liquidity and developer activity. A price‑analysis segment of the same report noted TRX trading around US$0.3475, with dynamic support from the 50‑day moving average and potential resistance at US$0.36–0.38 ^[54].
6. DeFi and stablecoin surge – AInvest reports that TRON processes US$21.3 billion of USDT transfers per day with 75 % of 2025 USDT transfers occurring on the network ^[55]. SunSwap’s monthly volume reached US$3.8 billion and JustLend’s TVL ≈US$5.95 billion ^[56]. TRON’s DeFi adoption was further propelled by cross‑chain integration with deBridge and by institutional partnerships with Chainlink and World Liberty Financial ^[57].
7. USDD on Ethereum and PSM release – In September 2025, USDD launched on the Ethereum network with a Peg Stability Module that allows zero‑slippage swaps between USDD, USDT and USDC. Users can mint USDD with TRX and USDT and earn yields up to 12 % APY ^[58].
8. USDT supply growth – A Mitrade report noted that 23 billion additional USDT were minted on TRON within a few months in 2025, raising its supply to over 82 billion USDT (≈50 % of total supply). This expansion boosted TRON’s network revenue to ≈US$1.13 million daily, despite transaction fees dropping ^[59].

Expert and Analyst Views

• Cross‑chain potential: AInvest described TRON’s cross‑chain expansion via deBridge as “a liquidity powerhouse,” noting that hosting 81.4 billion USDT and processing US$23 billion in daily transfers across 327 million accounts makes TRON a pivotal gateway for global stablecoin activity ^[60]. The report argued that connecting to 25+ blockchains unlocks real‑time, MEV‑protected transfers and allows arbitrage and institutional‑grade infrastructure ^[61].
• TRON DAO leadership: During TOKEN2049, TRON DAO announced that its blockchain had over 335 million user accounts, 11 billion transactions and over US$27 billion TVL, describing itself as a “global settlement layer” for stablecoin transactions ^[62]. The organisation emphasised that TRON is “moving trillions, empowering billions” ^[63].
• DeFi analysts: Blockchain.News analysts observe that TRON’s price trend is consolidating between US$0.33 and US$0.35 with a neutral RSI near 50. They highlight that a breakout above US$0.35–0.37 could target US$0.37–0.42, while failure to hold support around US$0.32–0.33 could lead to a pullback toward US$0.316 ^[64]. Another technical analysis notes that TRX’s resilience around US$0.35 combined with an improving MACD makes the US$0.356–0.37 zone a key target in the short term【15042484070251†L140-L266】.
• Centralization concerns: A Cryptorank report points out that TRON’s founder, Justin Sun, controls about 64 % of the TRX supply and heavily influences governance ^[65]. While this reduces the risk of attacks, it raises questions about decentralization.
• Opportunities and risks: Coinspeaker notes that TRON’s token utility (paying fees, staking, powering smart contracts) and growing dApp adoption could propel long‑term value, but centralisation, regulatory uncertainty and competition from Ethereum, Solana and newer chains remain important risks ^[66].

Price Analysis and Forecasts

Current Market Trend (Oct 2025)

TRX trades around US$0.34 and has been consolidating within an ascending trendline. Technical analysts identify support near US$0.32–0.33 and resistance at US$0.35–0.37. A break above the resistance could push prices toward US$0.37–0.42, while failing to hold support could lead to US$0.316 ^[67]【15042484070251†L140-L266】. The relative strength index (RSI) near 50 suggests a neutral momentum, and positive funding rates indicate traders are leaning long ^[68]. However, the high percentage of staked TRX means liquidity is thin; a sudden unstaking could increase volatility ^[69].

Short‑Term Predictions

• CoinCodex & PricePrediction.com: Analysts expect TRX to remain around US$0.344 in the near term and potentially reach US$0.371 if momentum continues ^[70]. Some models predict a bearish scenario around US$0.316 ^[71].
• Changelly & PriceForecastBot: Forecasts in September 2025 projected a move toward US$0.356–0.37, while acknowledging key support at US$0.32【15042484070251†L140-L266】.

Medium‑ to Long‑Term Forecasts

• Cryptopolitan: The site projects TRX to surpass US$0.50 by the end of 2025, with a yearly range between US$0.179 and US$0.6129 and an average price around US$0.5108 ^[72]. It forecasts US$0.75–0.95 for 2026, US$1.43–1.63 for 2028 and US$2.13–3.50 by 2030 ^{[73] [74]}.
• Coinspeaker: Monthly forecasts for 2025 foresee TRX ranging from US$0.286–0.377, gradually climbing to US$0.424–0.470 in 2026 ^[75]. Coinspeaker emphasises that adoption of dApps, staking rewards and integrations with popular exchanges could drive growth, but warns that regulatory and centralization risks remain ^[76].
• Cryptorank: The platform suggests that breaking the US$0.36 resistance could send TRX toward US$0.42, but notes that a drop below US$0.30 might lead to further declines. The report cites TRON’s fundamentals—2.3 million daily USDT transfers and 334 million accounts—but highlights the governance risk from Justin Sun’s large stake ^[77].

Outlook and Conclusion

TRON has evolved from a controversial Ethereum competitor into a global settlement layer for stablecoins. Its low fees, fast finality and resource‑based fee model attract retail users in emerging markets, remittance flows and high‑volume traders. With USDT and USDD dominating its transactions and new integrations like PYUSD0 and deBridge, TRON is positioning itself as the cross‑chain liquidity hub for digital dollars. Sun Wukong marks a strategic pivot toward derivatives trading, while USDD 2.0, gas‑free transactions and subsecond bridging aim to keep TRON competitive in DeFi.

However, the network’s success rests heavily on stablecoin demand and Justin Sun’s leadership. Centralisation concerns, regulatory scrutiny over stablecoins and intense competition from Ethereum, Solana, Aptos and other high‑throughput chains pose risks ^{[78] [79]}. Investors should consider that about 89 % of TRX is staked, meaning price rallies can accelerate quickly but may reverse just as fast if stakers unlock their tokens ^[80].

In summary, TRON in late 2025 is a high‑growth, high‑risk ecosystem. It offers cheap, instant settlement for digital dollars, an expanding DeFi and NFT suite, and ambitious cross‑chain integrations. Whether TRX can reach the bullish price targets projected for the coming years will depend on sustained stablecoin adoption, successful rollout of USDD 2.0, continued technological upgrades, and the broader regulatory climate for crypto assets.

In this report, I examine TRON (TRX) as of October 5, 2025, highlighting its delegated proof‑of‑stake architecture, ultra-low fees, and industry-leading stablecoin dominance. I detail the network’s staggering adoption metrics—335 million user accounts and over US$27 billion in TVL—and show how innovations like gas-free USDT transfers and USDD 2.0 have positioned TRON as a global settlement layer. The report also breaks down the DeFi and NFT ecosystem, covers major news events such as the Sun Wukong DEX launch and deBridge integration, and provides expert opinions, price analysis, and forecasts ranging into 2030, noting both bullish scenarios and critical risk factors ^{[81] [82]}.

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