BTC Mining Equipment to Get Cheaper Abroad, Pricier in US Following Trump Tariffs

Key Takeaways:

• Trump's tariffs will increase U.S. Bitcoin mining equipment costs by up to 36%
• Reduced U.S. demand could force manufacturers to slash prices in overseas markets.
• China is positioned to strengthen its Bitcoin mining dominance despite the official ban.

Hashlabs Mining CEO Jaran Mellerud recently explained that President Trump's sweeping tariffs could weaken demand for Bitcoin miner's machines in the U.S. With local buyers pulling back, manufacturers may be forced to sell excess inventory at lower prices overseas. 

U.S. Liberation Day Tariffs Shake Market Confidence

According to a report titled “How Trump’s Tariffs Will Affect Bitcoin Mining,” the U.S. crypto mining sector could face a major disruption. 

Hashlabs Mining CEO Jaran Mellerud explained that President Trump's “Liberation Day” tariffs will force U.S. companies to pay up to 36% more for imported Bitcoin miners, creating significant cost barriers for domestic operations while potentially benefiting international competitors who can access equipment at lower prices.

A few days ago, Donald Trump introduced massive tariffs on the import of Bitcoin mining machines to the US 🇺🇸

This could have enormous implications for the entire bitcoin mining industry 🌍

Keep reading to learn more 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/cbg37RNq7n

— Jaran Mellerud 🟧⛏️ (@JMellerud) April 8, 2025

These tariffs only apply to newly imported machines. Current U.S. inventory was imported before the tariffs took effect, but this supply won't last forever. 

Prices for mining equipment already show a 13% to 25% difference between U.S. and overseas markets like Hong Kong, and this gap will likely widen to around 22% plus additional shipping costs once domestic inventory is depleted.

The timing of these tariffs adds another layer of complexity. 

Recently, Canadian mining firm Hut 8 partnered with President Trump’s sons to launch a new U.S.-based subsidiary called “American Bitcoin.” 

The new company plans to focus on large-scale Bitcoin mining and building long-term reserves. 

We are proud to partner with @EricTrump and American Data Centers to launch @AmericanBTC.

American Bitcoin, a majority-owned subsidiary of Hut 8, aims to become the world's largest, most efficient pure-play miner while building a robust strategic Bitcoin reserve.

Join us for a… pic.twitter.com/f5ddCxQkqp

— Hut 8 (@Hut8Corp) March 31, 2025

Their ambitious plans may now face unexpected challenges as equipment costs rise and market confidence weakens in response to the new tariff environment.

As the demand for mining equipment falls in the U.S., manufacturers will likely reduce prices in international markets to sell their surplus inventory. This price reduction overseas creates a competitive advantage for miners outside the United States.

America's Mining Strength Wanes as China Quietly Reclaims the Lead

Mellerud’s report also warned of another shift – a possible decline in the U.S.’s share of global Bitcoin mining, with China regaining ground despite its 2021 mining ban. 

According to the latest data from the Hashrate Index, the U.S. officially contributes 36% of the world’s hashrate. China, on record, holds around 13.75%. 

But these official numbers don't tell the complete story. Last September, CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju revealed that Chinese miners still control about 55% of the global hashrate despite operating under technical restrictions.

#Bitcoin hashrate dominance is shifting to U.S. mining companies.

Chinese mining pools operate 55% of the network, while U.S. pools manage 40%.

U.S. pools primarily cater to institutional miners in America, while Chinese pools support relatively smaller miners in Asia. pic.twitter.com/kepopLWBSD

— Ki Young Ju (@ki_young_ju) September 23, 2024

China’s success comes from operating through smaller, more agile mining pools that have steadily expanded across Asia while avoiding regulatory attention.

Meanwhile, U.S.-based pools serve mainly institutional investors now facing higher costs and greater uncertainty.

Previously, the U.S. was considered the safest and most attractive home for Bitcoin mining, offering energy stability, low regulation, and tariff-free imports. 

Mellerud’s report noted that many firms hoped President Trump’s return would bring more of that same stability.

Instead, the Liberation Day tariffs introduced unexpected costs that could push miners out and deter new investments.

Even though the U.S. technically holds the lead today, momentum is shifting. A fragmented but growing network of global miners, especially in Asia, is beginning to seize the advantage.