Chinese Bitcoin Mining Rig Makers Move to U.S. Amid Tariff Pressure

Canaan also pointed to the broader trade environment, noting that “the global supply chain for mining equipment remains subject to ongoing geopolitical and regulatory shifts.” The company cited a “pattern of evolving tariffs, import restrictions, and policy changes” as reasons to diversify its production footprint and stay agile in the face of trade disruptions.

The risk is real—Bitmain’s AI unit Sophgo has already been blacklisted by the U.S. government.

From China to the World

China once controlled the entire bitcoin value chain, from rig manufacturing to mining and trading, before banning domestic crypto activity in 2021. Although exchanges and miners relocated abroad, Chinese hardware makers like Bitmain, Canaan, and MicroBT maintained global dominance thanks to early innovations in high-performance mining chips.

Canaan has since moved its headquarters to Singapore, while retaining operations in China. It also established a pilot production line in the U.S., which now accounts for 40% of its revenue.

“The rationale is to try to reduce the cost for both us and our customers,” said Wang. “The prospect of tariffs means we have to explore all alternatives.”

Reaffirming its global ambitions, Canaan told Unlock Blockchain that it remains committed to “serving customers worldwide, with fair and reliable access” to its products. While U.S. trial production supports North American demand, the company’s “global manufacturing network ensures that customers across Asia, Europe, and other regions remain fully supported.”

U.S. import policy now includes a 10% baseline tariff on many goods, with an additional 20% levy on Chinese imports. There’s also the possibility of increased tariffs on imports from Southeast Asia—where Chinese companies have opened assembly lines.

Strategic Shifts

President Donald Trump has branded himself as the “crypto president,” promising to promote mainstream crypto adoption in the U.S. His administration has taken a pro-industry stance, including efforts to create a strategic bitcoin reserve via a venture launched by his son, Eric Trump, and Hut 8.

Still, Trump’s crypto-friendly approach may place renewed attention on China’s overwhelming role in bitcoin infrastructure.

“China’s hardware dominance creates a choke point for U.S. miners,” warned John Deaton, a crypto law expert. “If China restricts exports or manipulates supply ... it could disrupt bitcoin’s network stability and affect U.S. users and investors.”

With major U.S. miners like MARA, Core Scientific, CleanSpark, and Riot Platforms all reliant on Chinese hardware, the imbalance poses a strategic concern, said Ryan M. Yonk, economist at the American Institute for Economic Research.

Even as rig makers begin building in the U.S., American miners are still dependent on Chinese imports in the near term.

“But this isn’t about hurting the industry. It’s about forcing a long-overdue shift,” said Kadan Stadlemann, CTO at Komodo.

Note: This article has been updated to reflect additional details shared by Canaan.