US imposes tariffs of 21,6% on ASIC miners from Southeast Asia

What’s new? On August 7, the United States raised tariffs on imports of ASIC miners for bitcoin mining from Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The new levy is a combination of a 19% reciprocal tariff and a 2,6% base tariff.

Material by The Block

What else is known? The tariff increase significantly increases the cost of mining equipment for US operators, many of whom depend on manufacturing centers in Southeast Asia. It is expected to influence procurement strategies and potentially change the geography of global BTC mining.

US miners have expressed serious concerns about the increase in financial pressure. For example, Luxor Technology COO Ethan Vera noted a noticeable drop in domestic demand and growing interest in moving capacity to countries with more favorable import and energy supply conditions, such as Canada and Russia.

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He also highlighted the exacerbation of the problem of rising energy prices in the US, which further reduces the profitability of small and medium-sized companies.

These industry players are expected to be hit hardest, as they often lack the reserves to cover sudden spikes in equipment prices. Some firms are already suspending expansion and postponing approved equipment upgrades.

At the same time, US miners are exploring opportunities for partnerships with local manufacturers and localization of production to reduce their dependence on Asian supply chains.

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In particular, companies in Texas and the Midwestern United States are already in talks with semiconductor manufacturers and logistics companies to create a vertically integrated supply chain. The problem in this case is the technical complexity and capital intensity of ASIC miner production.

The White House positions the tariff increase as protectionism and an attempt to stimulate domestic innovation and manufacturing, but the resulting rise in operating costs could hinder investment and force companies to relocate their operations abroad.

Critics argue that this policy contradicts broader national goals of creating a sustainable digital asset infrastructure led by the US.

With international miners operating in countries with cheaper electricity and low import duties, the US risks losing its status as a center of innovation in mining.

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Currently, four of the five largest miners by market capitalization are US companies: Marathon Digital (MARA), Riot Blockchain (RIOT), Core Scientific (CORZ), and CleanSpark (CLSK).