The native token of Sui, SUI, has experienced a remarkable price increase, rising over 1,312% from its lowest price in 2023.
This rapid increase has pushed the market capitalization of the token to $15.98 billion, making SUI the 12th largest cryptocurrency, surpassing competitors like TON and Chainlink.
The key drivers behind SUI's rise
The price increase of SUI $SUI in 2025 aligns with several key developments in the network. On January 1, 2025, the Sui blockchain unlocked 82 million SUI tokens—0.82% of the total supply. This strategic release has driven high demand for the token, thus contributing to its recent growth.
Source: SuiNetwork via X
In addition, the total locked value of the Sui network has also surpassed $2 billion, highlighting that investors are increasingly confident in the DeFi ecosystem of the chain. So far, this growth has been supported by large-scale DeFi protocols such as Suilend Protocol, NAVI Protocol, Cetus, Scallop Lend, and Aftermath Finance.
Record trading volume and open interest
The trading momentum of SUI is unprecedented. This token recently reached a trading price of $5.31, with a 24-hour trading volume peaking at $2.6 billion. Open interest in SUI futures contracts also rose by 37%, reaching a record high of $1.22 billion, highlighting the increasing interest from investors.
Sui Price Chart (SUI). Source: Brave New Coin
This upward price trend has further solidified SUI's position in the market, with analysts predicting continued momentum and higher prices. A breakout above key resistance levels, such as $5.50, could push the price to new highs, potentially nearing $10 in the coming months.
Strategic partnerships and ecosystem growth
The Sui ecosystem has expanded through strategic partnerships and technological advancements. The network has collaborated with major companies, including VanEck, Grayscale, and Franklin Templeton. Grayscale's Sui Trust, which now holds over $14 million in assets, is a testament to the growing interest from institutions.
Additionally, the launch of Deepbook V3, Sui's proprietary on-chain order book, has significantly boosted trading activity. With cumulative trading volume exceeding $1 billion and the DEEP token valued at $375 million, Deepbook V3 has become the backbone of Sui's DeFi ecosystem.
Challenges and opportunities ahead
Although SUI has performed well recently, its future direction depends on many factors. Important resistance levels—such as $5.50—are quite close and may act as a psychological barrier for the token price to increase further. If this fails, it could mean a pullback or some form of consolidation.
On the legal front, such an agreement could pave the way for a spot SUI ETF to emerge from Sui and Grayscale, of course depending on how things unfold between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and cryptocurrency ETFs. A friendly regulatory shift could enhance the network's viability for institutional investors.
The ability to maintain Sui's growth momentum will depend on the continuous growth of the ecosystem, strategic partnerships, and favorable market conditions. For investors wondering which cryptocurrency to buy right now, there are several strong options. Ripple's XRP token has strong appeal and significant upside potential for 2025, as does Dogecoin, the largest meme coin by market capitalization.
However, with a strong DeFi infrastructure, record-breaking metrics, and increasing support from institutions, SUI remains poised to be a strong competitor in the cryptocurrency market.
As the network reaches a market capitalization of $16 billion, investors and analysts will closely monitor the network's performance, particularly its ability to surpass key milestones and maintain its competitive edge.
