2024-12-10
Bitcoin ASIC manufacturer Bitmain has
expanded its production line into the United States, aiming to improve supply
chain efficiency and better serve its North American customers.
This development comes amid ongoing
trade tensions between the U.S. and China, including delays in customs
processing for mining hardware.
BITMAIN has announced the establishment
of a new production line in the United States to enhance service efficiency for
North American customers.
The company will launch its Antminer S21 Pro devices this month. The first batch of ANTMINER S21 Pro
units is scheduled for delivery this December, aiming to boost mining
competitiveness for partners.
Bitmain announced on Dec. 9 that this
expansion is a strategic move to reduce delivery times and improve services for
U.S. and Canadian customers.
This move aligns with BITMAIN's ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in North America. In 2019, the company launched a 50MW mining farm in Rockdale, Texas, with plans to expand its capacity beyond 300MW.
Bitmain reportedly holds up to 90% of
the market share for Bitcoin mining ASICs, making it a dominant player in the
sector.
Recent U.S.
Customs delays for ASIC machines have affected Bitcoin miners, with some
experiencing two-month delays in accessing equipment.
Recent reports indicate that the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection Agency has detained some Bitmain Antminer ASICs
at ports, causing delays for Bitcoin mining operations. Some miners have
incurred fees exceeding $200,000 due to equipment being held for months.
Trade
restrictions have increased, with both countries imposing measures targeting
critical technologies and resources.
This backdrop
adds complexity to international supply chains. North America, including the
U.S. and Canada, accounts for over 44.3% of Bitcoin's hash rate, with major
mining firms like MARA Holdings, Core Scientific, and Riot Platforms leading
the industry.
Additionally, BITMAIN has collaborated
with U.S.-based Core Scientific to establish the first Ant Training Academy in
Dalton, Georgia, and facilitated the purchase of 17,595 Antminer 19 series
machines.
Despite these challenges, BITMAIN
continues to innovate. In September 2024, the company expanded its partnership
with Hut 8 to launch the U3S21EXPH, a next-generation ASIC miner featuring
direct liquid-to-chip cooling. Hut 8 plans to deploy this model in Q2 2025
through a ~15 EH/s hosting agreement.
President-elect Donald Trump has voiced
support for policies favoring domestic Bitcoin production, framing it as part
of a broader vision for energy dominance. However, his proposals for tariffs
face skepticism from economists and potential legislative hurdles.
Bitmain's move into the U.S. is a mechanism to provide relief for miners who have faced equipment delays.