Chinese bitcoin mining rig makers Bitmain, Canaan, and MicroBT are building manufacturing bases in the United States to reduce the impact of tariffs and respond to shifting supply chain dynamics.
Together, the three companies produce more than 90% of the world’s bitcoin mining machines.
Bitmain began U.S. production in December following Donald Trump’s election victory. Canaan launched trial production to avoid tariffs after Trump announced the so-called Liberation Day levies in April.
MicroBT said it is working on a localization strategy to avoid tariff-related disruptions.
The shift comes as the U.S.-China trade war reshapes the bitcoin industry’s supply chains. Establishing operations in the U.S. may help Chinese companies avoid tariffs, but it could also raise national security concerns.
Some U.S. officials worry about large numbers of Chinese-made mining machines connected to the American power grid.
Chinese mining rig makers remain dominant in a market that consultancy estimates put at over 95% of computing power sold. But their dominance is now under pressure as political tensions grow and the U.S. imposes new tariffs.
The Biden administration recently added a 10% baseline tariff on imports and a 20% surcharge for imports from China, with possible expansions to Southeast Asian countries where some Chinese firms have relocated production.
Auradine, a U.S. bitcoin mining hardware company backed by major miner MARA Holdings, is lobbying for restrictions on Chinese imports. U.S.-based miners like Core Scientific, CleanSpark, and Riot Platforms still rely heavily on Chinese equipment, which leaves them vulnerable to rising costs and supply limitations.
Canaan has moved its headquarters to Singapore, although it maintains operations in China. The company says U.S. customers account for 40% of revenue. It is working to lower costs and reduce exposure to tariff risks.
The Trump administration’s support for cryptocurrencies, including his son Eric’s involvement in a mining venture, has increased focus on U.S. reliance on Chinese hardware. While setting up U.S. production may help address some concerns, the transition will take time.
Bitmain did not respond to a request for comment. Its AI affiliate Sophgo has already been placed on a U.S. government blacklist. Canaan insists that mining rigs do not pose national security risks, although it acknowledges that broader tech restrictions could impact business.
Industry experts say that while the U.S. welcomes crypto investments, the supply chain must adapt to reduce dependence on Chinese hardware.
