Bitcoin mining companies are rushing to import equipment before new trade tariffs drive up costs.
According to a recent report by Blockspace, bitcoin miners are accelerating hardware imports into the United States ahead of the full implementation of new tariffs on China imposed by the Trump administration.
Reportedly, major mining firms are taking extraordinary measures, even chartering private flights costing between $2 million and $3.5 million for transport. The goal is to avoid the looming increase in mining machine prices, which are estimated to rise by 22% to 36% once the tariffs are fully in effect.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the U.S. has already seen $860 million worth of mining equipment imports. The report also highlights that last year, U.S.-based miners purchased more than $2.3 billion worth of ASIC machines.
Currently, the United States accounts for around 36% of Bitcoin’s total global hashrate, according to data from the Hashrate Index. However, that share may decline due to the new tariffs, which particularly affect countries that manufacture mining equipment. This situation could lead to a shift in the distribution of hashrate from the U.S. to other nations.
According to Blockspace, the impact of these tariffs on the mining sector could rival the disruptions caused by China’s 2021 mining ban. However, the reduced purchasing power of U.S. miners could ease global demand pressure, potentially pushing down ASIC miner prices on international markets.