Bitmain Launches U.S. Facility Amid Escalating U.S.-China Trade Tensions

Bitmain, the largest Bitcoin mining manufacturer by market share, announced on Dec. 9 the launch of a new production facility in the United States.

The expansion reflects the Beijing, China-based company’s strategy to solidify its presence in North America, a region responsible for nearly 45% of the global BTC network hash rate, according to Chain Bulletin data.

Four of the largest BTC miners by market capitalization are also located in the U.S.: Marathon Digital Holdings ($7.45 billion), Core Scientific ($4.43 billion), CleanSpark ($3.83 Billion) and Riot Blockchain ($3.72 billion), according to Companies Market Cap data. As of 2024, Bitmain is estimated to control approximately 80% of the global market for Bitcoin mining equipment, according to BitStamp.

Bitmain's U.S. expansion marks a key moment in the evolving Bitcoin mining landscape, emphasizing North America's growing dominance in the sector. This trend is fueled by increasing favorable regulations, particularly with the pro-crypto stance of President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to take office soon.

Bitmain noted in a post on X that the facility will enable “faster response times and more efficient services” for North American customers. The company plans to ship its first batch of ANTMINER S21 Pro units in December, aiming to better compete with other mining hardware companies in the region.

Strained Relations

Bitmain’s decision to expand into the U.S. coincides with escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Last week, the Joe Biden administration tightened restrictions on advanced chip exports to China, broadening its list of technologies that U.S. companies are prohibited from selling to Chinese firms.

Beijing responded with its own measures, including launching an antitrust investigation into Nvidia, restricting exports of critical minerals, urging companies to avoid purchasing U.S.-made computer chips, and imposing sanctions on 13 American defense firms, The Washington Post reported.

These ongoing geopolitical tensions fueled claims by several companies and media outlets that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detained shipments of Bitmain mining equipment.

Speculation began in October that the delays were linked to the company's ties with Chinese semiconductor firm Xiamen Sophgo. Bitmain publicly denied these claims, stating it was not under any supply chain investigations. It also warned of potential legal action against outlets disseminating false information.