US-based cryptocurrency miners are experiencing delays in receiving ASIC mining hardware due to increased scrutiny of shipments from China’s dominant supplier of Bitcoin mining rigs, Bitmain. According to industry executives, shipments of Bitmain machines have been held up by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This comes as the US Commerce Department blacklisted Xiamen Sophgo Technologies Ltd., an AI firm affiliated with Bitmain, for allegedly supporting Beijing’s ambitions in advanced chip production. The delays also coincide with escalating trade tensions between the US and China.
Bitmain, which controls around 90% of the global market for specialized Bitcoin mining rigs, has been subject to US tariffs since 2018. President Donald Trump’s announcement of an additional 10% levy on Chinese imports further complicates the landscape for miners reliant on Bitmain’s machines. US Customs has been conducting random inspections on Bitcoin mining machines for the past three months, demanding certificates of origin and causing further delays.
The strict customs checks have significantly delayed an Oklahoma-based mining operation with 2,000 rigs, as well as other shipments with Bitmain labels. Heavier tariffs could potentially halt the importation of new-generation hardware into the US, making it cost-prohibitive and leading to the cessation of mining projects. The impact of these tariffs is already evident, with the gross weight of imported Bitcoin mining rigs and accessories dropping nearly 65% year-over-year in January 2025. This inability to secure new equipment at competitive prices poses a long-term threat to US mining firms.
Bit Digital, a New York-based mining company, recently experienced a two-week delay on a shipment of 700 mining machines. However, the regulatory pressure also poses a threat to Bitmain’s dominance, as competition from China-based MicroBT and California’s Auradine is increasing. To address these challenges, Bitmain has launched a domestic production line in the US, aiming to counter import-related issues. The rollout of the Antminer S21 Pro from the new US facility is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce operational uncertainty for miners.
