CleanSpark Faces $185 Million U.S. Customs Tariff Allegation

CleanSpark, a Bitcoin miner firm in the U.S., is facing a possible $185 million tariff by U.S. Customs, disputing Chinese origin claims on imported equipment from April to June 2024.

This dispute underscores increasing compliance challenges for U.S. Bitcoin miners, potentially affecting operations and hashrate expansion amid industry-wide tariffs and supply chain adjustments.

Tariff Disputes Reshape Mining Industry’s Supply Chain Strategies

CleanSpark, a Bitcoin mining company, is embroiled in a dispute with U.S. Customs over allegations that miners it imported were manufactured in China. CleanSpark denies these claims, with CEO Zach Bradford emphasizing that supplier documentation supports their position. The potential impact could delay the company’s planned expansions. Another firm, IREN, faced a similar tariff dispute, indicating a pattern of regulatory scrutiny.

A successful challenge by CleanSpark to these claims could set a precedent for other mining companies facing similar issues. The mining industry remains on alert as these disputes could influence broader supply chain strategies.

“The Company believes the CBP allegation of Chinese origin on its imported miners to be without merit and intends to defend against these charges vigorously.” – Zach Bradford, CEO, CleanSpark, CleanSpark Quarterly Filing

Market Data and Insights

Did you know? In early 2025, IREN faced a $100M U.S. Customs tariff claim, similar to CleanSpark’s dispute, highlighting ongoing regulatory challenges in the crypto mining sector.

According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin currently trades at $116,617.20, with a market cap of $2.32 trillion and dominance at 59.63%. The 24-hour trading volume is $61.90 billion, reflecting a 0.73% price drop in the past day. Bitcoin’s price increased by 12.96% over the past 90 days. New metrics continue to influence market behaviors as of August 8, 2025.

Coincu research indicates that stricter import scrutiny might lead mining firms to diversify their hardware supply chains. This could impact costs and technological upgrades within the industry long-term. Regulatory clarity remains pivotal as mining operations evolve.