US Customs stops imports of ASIC miners from Bitmain

The lengthy inspections resulted in additional costs for some companies

14.02.2025 - 10:00

2 min

What’s new? US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has delayed and intensified inspections of Bitmain ASIC miners at the border at the request of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The additional inspections have caused some shipments to be delayed, increasing wait times for equipment needed to keep bitcoin mining businesses running smoothly.

Material by Bloomberg

Several US mining companies have confirmed disruptions in their operations. New York-based Bit Digital experienced a delay in receiving 700 mining rigs, while a separate 20-megawatt mining facility in Oklahoma had 2000 rigs held up at customs.

The inspections are reportedly targeting shipments labeled as Bitmain products, with some industry participants noting that the scrutiny has intensified in the past month. The increase in inspections has caused concern for US mining companies as they rely on timely shipments of equipment to remain competitive. The prolonged inspections have also resulted in additional costs for some companies.

What else is known? The disruptions come as the US government continues to restrict Chinese tech companies. In January, the Commerce Department blacklisted Bitmain’s AI subsidiary Xiamen Sophgo Technologies Ltd., citing national security concerns. Nuo Xu, founder of the China Digital Mining Association, noted:

“US Customs has started randomly inspecting almost all of the airlifted Bitcoin mining machines since about three months ago. While asking the brokers to show certificate of origin.”

While the blacklist applies to AI equipment, it has brought additional attention to companies associated with China’s semiconductor industry. Industry executives warn that long delays and additional duties could make importing mining equipment less profitable.

Some mining companies are exploring alternative equipment suppliers, but Bitmain remains the dominant manufacturer, with no replacement on the market so far.

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