US Bitcoin Mining in 2025: Tariffs, Customs Pressure & Strategic Shifts Ahead

Bitcoin Mining Companies Circumventing US Customs Controls

According to it boltwise, the US Bitcoin mining industry is facing new challenges as customs controls are tightened and the Trump administration plans to impose higher tariffs on imports from Southeast Asia. Several industry insiders have confirmed that some companies are attempting to circumvent import duties by undervaluing their mining rig shipments to US customs. Jill Ford, founder of BitFord Digital, stated that many in the industry have found ways to avoid tariffs by declaring lower values for their shipments, a practice considered fraudulent and illegal.

Since the ban on Bitcoin mining in China in 2021, the industry has shifted to the US, especially Texas. The market for application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), estimated at $30 billion, is dominated by Chinese companies Bitmain and MicroBT, which manufacture most of these machines in Southeast Asia. The new trade policies announced by the Trump administration on April 2 threaten significant tariffs for countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, creating uncertainty and chaos for US-based Bitcoin miners who now face the possibility of paying high taxes on their ASIC shipments.

Ford and other experts report that miners have regularly undervalued their shipments even before the tariffs were introduced, but this has become more difficult recently as customs authorities have increased inspections and are checking the actual value of imported machines. Enforcement of the new policies is not uniform across all US states; for example, Oregon is less strict, while Kentucky has implemented stricter controls, sometimes resulting in shipments being returned.

The combination of customs uncertainty and increased scrutiny is forcing some mining companies to reconsider their plans. Some of Ford's clients are holding back shipments from China, hoping to avoid high tariffs. This could slow down new projects and make other countries, such as Canada, more attractive for new infrastructure investments.

Key Facts	Details
ASIC Market Value	$30 billion
Main Manufacturers	Bitmain, MicroBT (China)
Tariff Announcement	April 2 (Trump administration)
Targeted Countries	Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia

US customs controls are being tightened, making it harder to undervalue mining equipment shipments.
Tariffs could slow down new mining projects and shift investments to other countries.

Summary: The US Bitcoin mining sector is under pressure from stricter customs controls and new tariffs, leading to increased risks and potential delays in new projects. (Source: it boltwise)

US-Made Bitcoin Miners Deployed in Indiana

Investing.com Deutsch reports that Vinanz Limited, a Bitcoin company listed on the London Stock Exchange (BTC:L) and in the US (VINZF:US), has announced that its first batch of US-manufactured Bitcoin miners is now operational in Indiana. Produced by California-based Auradine Inc., these miners represent a strategic move as Vinanz expands its US operations.

The initial test order, placed on February 19, 2025, included 20 Auradine AT2880 miners, each known for an efficiency of 220 terahashes per second (TH/s) and 17.5 joules per terahash (J/TH). These units were installed in Megawatt-hosted facilities in Indiana, which confirmed that the miners are performing as expected and have an estimated Bitcoin break-even price of about $57,000, based on contracted electricity costs of $0.07 per kilowatt-hour.

This development comes as the US government considers imposing tariffs on all US imports, prompting Vinanz to invest in domestically produced Auradine AT2880s. Previously, Vinanz sourced its mining equipment from China, including models from Bitmain, Whatsminer, and Canaan. David Lenigas, Chairman of Vinanz, expressed enthusiasm for the new acquisition, noting that Vinanz now has 140 units operating in Indiana, delivering a total of 16.78 PH/s.

Specification	Details
Miner Model	Auradine AT2880
Efficiency	220 TH/s, 17.5 J/TH
Break-even Price	$57,000 (at $0.07/kWh)
Total Units in Indiana	140
Total Hashrate	16.78 PH/s

Vinanz is diversifying its supply chain by investing in US-made miners.
The move supports US economic interests and mitigates risks from potential new trade policies.

Summary: Vinanz Limited has deployed its first US-manufactured Bitcoin miners in Indiana, achieving a total hashrate of 16.78 PH/s and a break-even price of $57,000 per Bitcoin. (Source: Investing.com Deutsch)

Trump Sons Enter the Bitcoin Mining Market

According to it boltwise, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are entering the cryptocurrency sector by founding a new company that will merge with the publicly traded miner Hut 8 Corp. This move comes at a time when cryptocurrency regulation is gaining importance worldwide. The Trump sons are collaborating with Asher Genoot and Michael Ho, who serve as CEO and Chief Strategy Officer of Hut 8.

Genoot and Ho joined Hut 8 in 2023 when the company acquired US Bitcoin, a mining company they founded. US Bitcoin was backed by investors who, in 2018, were sanctioned by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for illegal stock manipulation, raising questions about the future direction and regulatory challenges of the new venture.

The Bitcoin mining sector is known for its high energy demands and associated environmental concerns. Many countries have introduced stricter regulations for mining farms, which could also impact the Trump sons' new venture, especially regarding sustainability and legal compliance. Hut 8 has established itself as a leading Bitcoin miner in North America, investing heavily in infrastructure to meet market demands. The merger with the Trump sons' company could provide Hut 8 with additional resources and expanded market presence.

The Trump sons' involvement is seen as an attempt to capitalize on the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies.
The partnership could increase public interest and investment in the new company, but also brings regulatory and reputational challenges.

Summary: Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are entering the Bitcoin mining market through a merger with Hut 8 Corp., facing both opportunities and regulatory challenges. (Source: it boltwise)

AgriFORCE Expands Mining Capacity with New Antminers

Investing.com Deutsch reports that AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: AGRI), a micro-cap company specializing in agri-tech and digital infrastructure, has completed a significant expansion of its cryptocurrency mining operations. The company recently acquired 500 S19j Pro Antminers, which are expected to be fully installed at its second Ohio facility by May 9, 2025. This expansion is projected to increase the site's total hashrate to 130 PH/s, a 63% increase over current capacity.

AgriFORCE's Alberta facility already operates at full capacity with a range of ASIC miners, including 81 Bitmain S19k Pro 120T, 50 Bitmain S21 XP 270T, and 120 Bitmain S19j Pro 100T Antminers, contributing 33.62 PH/s. With the Ohio installation, AgriFORCE's combined hashrate across all three sites is estimated at 166.62 PH/s. CEO Jolie Kahn highlighted the company's focus on small, economically advantageous opportunities, particularly those utilizing unused natural gas for energy.

The company also completed the acquisition of a 5 MW Bitcoin mining facility in Columbiana County, Ohio, for $4.5 million, operating over 900 mining units and aligning with AgriFORCE's sustainable energy initiatives. The acquisition was financed by an initial $7 million from a secured facility of up to $50 million from institutional investors. AgriFORCE plans to introduce agricultural co-location projects and further expand its mining activities.

Location	Hashrate (PH/s)	Miner Types
Ohio (new)	130	500 S19j Pro
Alberta	33.62	81 S19k Pro 120T, 50 S21 XP 270T, 120 S19j Pro 100T
Total (all sites)	166.62	Various

AgriFORCE's stock price fell 91.73% in the past year, but analysts expect over 5,000% revenue growth in 2025.
The company is integrating sustainable energy and agricultural practices into its mining operations.

Summary: AgriFORCE has expanded its mining capacity to an estimated 166.62 PH/s across three sites, focusing on sustainable energy and innovative business models. (Source: Investing.com Deutsch)

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