US Bitcoin mining firms are experiencing delays due to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) holding shipments of Bitmain Antminer devices at multiple ports of entry. The detained equipment includes essential Bitcoin mining application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), such as Bitmain’s S21 and T21.
Some mining companies have reported waiting up to two months for their equipment, with holding fees exceeding $200,000 for 200 units. The CBP is reportedly acting on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), but the reasons for the enforcement action remain unclear. The delays may be linked to Bitmain’s ties with Sophgo, a chip designer under investigation by the US Department of Commerce for allegedly incorporating chips produced in Taiwan into Huawei processors.
Huawei has been under US sanctions since 2019 due to national security concerns. While the CBP has targeted shipments from Bitmain, ASICs from other Chinese manufacturers have not faced similar detentions. The situation highlights the challenges faced by US miners that rely heavily on Chinese-manufactured mining equipment, as China supplies the majority of chips used globally in crypto mining.
Despite trade restrictions, Bitmain has sought to expand its global footprint by establishing offices outside China to avoid tariffs and diversify its operations. The delivery freeze has also sparked discussions about China’s influence on the crypto sector. The CBP and FCC have yet to release public statements addressing the detained shipments.
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