Bitcoin Mining Seizures: A Blow to US Crypto Industry

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been seizing Bitcoin mining equipment at U.S. ports, causing significant disruptions to the crypto mining industry. The seizures, which began last year, initially targeted Bitmain's Antminer S21 and T21 models but have since expanded to include machines produced by MicroBT and Canaan. The CBP has cited trade restrictions on AI chips and non-compliance with FCC regulations as the primary reasons for the seizures.



The escalating seizures have had a significant impact on the global market share and competitiveness of affected Asian ASIC manufacturers. Bitmain, the world's largest Bitcoin mining equipment manufacturer with an 80% market share, has been heavily affected. The company relocated its manufacturing capacity out of China after the first wave of Trump tariffs in 2018, but this has not shielded it from the current crackdown. In January 2025, CBP sent a letter to a company regarding the seizure of one "BITMAIN S21 PRO 200TH CRYPTOCURRENCY MINING MACHINE" at San Francisco International Airport, citing violations of U.S. code related to unauthorized and non-FCC-compliant radio frequency equipment (19 USC 1595a(c)(2)(A)).

The seizures have caused significant delays for Bitcoin mining companies, with some waiting for their miners for up to two months. This impacts the affected manufacturers' ability to deliver products to their customers and maintain their market dominance. The delays and potential loss of equipment worth millions of dollars can significantly impact the financial performance and market position of these manufacturers.

The long-term effects of these seizures on the U.S. crypto mining sector could include disruptions in the supply chain, reduced profitability, and hindered expansion plans. These challenges may also impact the broader Bitcoin network's health and security by potentially decreasing the network's hash rate and centralizing mining power. Furthermore, regulatory uncertainty and compliance costs could add to the operational challenges faced by mining companies.

In conclusion, the seizures of Bitcoin mining equipment by U.S. Customs and Border Protection have had a significant impact on the global market share and competitiveness of affected Asian ASIC manufacturers, particularly Bitmain, Canaan, and MicroBT. The delays, financial losses, and potential reputation damage can hinder these companies' ability to compete effectively in the global market. The long-term effects of these seizures on the U.S. crypto mining sector could include disruptions in the supply chain, reduced profitability, and hindered expansion plans, which may also impact the broader Bitcoin network's health and security.