Bitmain has expanded its Bitcoin ASIC production to the US to address trade tensions, improve supply chain efficiency, and meet growing North American demand amid geopolitical challenges.
Bitmain Expands to the US
Bitcoin mining hardware manufacturer Bitmain has announced its expansion into the United States. The move, revealed in a Dec. 9 post on X (formerly Twitter), aims to mitigate delivery delays, enhance supply chain efficiency, and provide improved support for North American customers. This development comes amidst escalating trade tensions between the US and China, addresses logistical challenges, and aligns with the region's growing prominence in the Bitcoin mining industry.
Growing Trade Barriers
The US has recently intensified export controls, restricting the sale of high-bandwidth memory chips to China. In retaliation, China banned the sale of critical minerals to the US. The impact of these trade policies has extended to Bitmain, as US Customs and Border Protection has delayed shipments of the company’s Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) machines. Reports suggest some US miners have faced delays of up to two months, with speculation linking the issue to Bitmain’s association with Chinese semiconductor firm Xiamen Sophgo. Bitmain, however, clarified it is not under any supply chain investigation.
Antminer S21 Pro Rollout to Boost North American Mining
As part of its expansion strategy, Bitmain will launch its flagship Antminer S21 Pro later this month. The device features a hash rate of 234 terahashes per second and power efficiency of 15 joules per terahash, offering significant performance improvements. According to the company, the rollout will enhance operational capacities for its industry partners, including HIVE Digital and Hut 8.
Bitmain is also partnering with Hut 8 to develop a next-generation ASIC miner capable of producing up to 860 TH/s. This collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and addressing the needs of the North American market.
US Market: A Strategic Focus for Bitcoin Mining
The United States and Canada currently host over 44% of the global Bitcoin network’s hashrate, according to The Chain Bulletin’s Bitcoin Mining Map. Major mining companies such as MARA Holdings, Core Scientific, CleanSpark, and Riot Platforms are headquartered in the region, solidifying North America’s position as a key player in the industry.
President-elect Donald Trump has also weighed in on the topic, advocating for greater domestic Bitcoin mining production. Trump recently outlined plans to impose tariffs on imports and suggested the move could position the US as an “energy dominant” nation. However, his proposals face skepticism from economists and potential legislative obstacles.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
