U.S. Customs Blocks Bitmain Antminer Shipments, Raising Costs for Bitcoin Miners

Bitmain, a leading manufacturer of Antminer ASICs, is facing import restrictions in the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) has reportedly blocked shipments of certain Antminer models at the border. These devices, widely used for cryptocurrency mining, play a significant role in the Bitcoin mining industry. The halt has caused concern among miners and businesses relying on these machines to maintain operations.

Although CBP has not disclosed specific reasons for the restrictions, reports suggest the move is linked to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC may have raised concerns about compliance or technical issues related to these devices. However, no official statement has been released by either agency, leaving many to speculate about the exact motives behind the blockade.

This development could impact the availability and pricing of Antminer ASICs in the U.S., slowing down cryptocurrency mining operations. With no clarity on when the issue will be resolved, miners might need to explore alternative solutions to keep their operations running smoothly. The situation highlights growing scrutiny over cryptocurrency-related hardware and the broader challenges faced by the mining industry.

U.S. Customs Targets Bitmain’s Antminer Devices, Causing Delays for Bitcoin Miners

According to a Blockspace report, CBP is specifically targeting Bitmain’s Antminer S21 and T21 series, which are essential for Bitcoin mining. Seven U.S.-based Bitcoin mining companies confirmed that these restrictions apply only to Bitmain’s products, while rivals like MicroBT and Canaan’s devices are not affected.

The reason behind the restrictions appears to involve the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), although no official explanation has been given. Shipments of these Antminer devices have reportedly been held at the border for as long as two months. This is an unusually long delay, as CBP typically does not hold goods beyond 30 days without requesting specific actions from importers, according to an anonymous source cited in the report.

These prolonged holds are causing uncertainty for U.S. mining companies that depend on Bitmain’s machines to maintain operations. The situation highlights the challenges faced by Chinese tech firms operating in the U.S. market and could impact Bitcoin mining efficiency and equipment availability in the country. Miners are now left waiting for clarity on when or if the restrictions will be lifted.

U.S. Customs Delays Bitmain’s Antminer Shipments, Raising Concerns for Bitcoin Miners

According to a Blockspace report, seven U.S.-based bitcoin mining companies confirmed the CBP is focusing on these models. Interestingly, rival firms like Microbt and Canaan are not affected by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-related restrictions, which further highlights Bitmain as the main target.

The CBP has not disclosed how long the Antminer ASICs will be held at the border, but some shipments have reportedly been delayed for as long as two months. This extended detention has raised concerns among importers, as such long delays are uncommon. A source familiar with the matter noted that CBP holding shipments for over 30 days without clear communication to the Importer of Record (IOR) is highly unusual and rarely happens.

CBP Delays Bitmain Antminer Shipments, Raising Costs and Uncertainty for U.S. Miners

Moreover, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been sending special teams to ports where Bitmain’s Antminer rigs are being held. As a result, companies have been warned to avoid U.S. West Coast ports, where most of the delays are happening.

There is some belief that the delays are due to concerns over chips from a company called Sophgo. Sophgo is accused of illegally supplying chips to Huawei, breaking U.S. sanctions. Although Sophgo denies this, some people think the hold-up of shipments could be because of these accusations. The U.S. has not confirmed this reason yet.

Currently, over 200 Antminer machines are being held, and the companies importing them are facing high costs. Storage fees for the equipment have already gone over $200,000. These delays and rising costs are making it difficult for U.S. bitcoin mining companies that depend on Bitmain’s equipment.