Dispute over $185 million tariffs arises for CleanSpark concerning Bitcoin mining rigs acquired from China
Two major US-based Bitcoin miners, CleanSpark and IREN, are embroiled in disputes with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) over claims that mining rigs they imported originated from China, triggering punitive tariffs under existing trade policies. Both companies are strongly disputing these allegations, providing supplier documentation and certificates of origin to affirm that their equipment is not Chinese-made [1][3][5].
CleanSpark, a company whose fleet at the time consisted exclusively of Bitmain's Antminers, faces a potential $185 million tariff liability on rigs imported in 2024. The company has stated in SEC filings that the seller consistently maintained the rigs were not Chinese in origin as required by their purchase agreements. CleanSpark disputes the CBP's claims, has not set aside financial provisions for these charges, and regards the cash outflow as unlikely at this time [1][3][5].
IREN is similarly challenged with a tariff dispute involving an alleged $100 million bill for rigs imported between April 2024 and February 2025. Like CleanSpark, IREN asserts its supplier provided certificates of origin and supporting documents to counter these allegations. IREN is also actively fighting the claim but admits the outcome remains uncertain [1][5].
In response to the tariff environment, both firms are taking various strategic actions. They are utilizing legal defenses based on import documentation to contest CBP's assertions. IREN is reportedly pivoting capital towards AI infrastructure and high-performance computing (HPC) to reduce reliance on hardware vulnerable to tariffs, while CleanSpark is leveraging its strong working capital ($933 million) to absorb potential financial risks [2]. Both companies are also reevaluating their supply chains, with companies like Bitmain contemplating US-based facilities to avoid tariff complications [3].
These tariff disputes impose greater costs and uncertainty on US Bitcoin miners but have prompted strategic adaptations involving legal challenges, supply chain realignment, and diversification of technology investments to mitigate tariff-related risks and sustain growth [2][3].
CleanSpark's stock fluctuated during the week of August 8, 2025, reflecting investor concerns about the potential impact of the tariff dispute and broader weakness in crypto-linked equities. Despite reporting record revenues and profits ($257 million net income) [1][3][5], CleanSpark Inc.'s stock dropped over 5% during this period [6].
IREN has not disclosed its stock performance during this period. The outcome of these disputes could set precedents for how the Bitcoin mining industry manages procurement and supply chain transparency, and could reshape import strategies for the entire sector if CBP prevails [4].
This reporting aims to provide accurate and timely information, but it should not be taken as financial or investment advice.
[1] TheMinerMag [2] Yahoo Finance [3] CleanSpark Inc. SEC filings [4] The Block [5] CoinDesk [6] Yahoo Finance (CleanSpark Inc. stock performance)
- The Bitcoin mining industry, with companies like CleanSpark and IREN at the forefront, is currently dealing with disputes over imported mining rigs, causing concerns about finance and potential tariffs under existing trade policies, which in turn affects general-news and industry discussions.
- The technology sector and its intersection with finance, such as the Bitcoin mining industry, is undergoing changes due to these tariff disputes, with companies like CleanSpark and IREN taking strategic actions like legal challenges, supply chain realignment, and diversification of technology investments to mitigate risks and sustain growth.
- The disputes between CleanSpark, IREN, and the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) over the origins of imported mining rigs not only impact these specific companies but could also set significant precedents for procurement and supply chain transparency within the Bitcoin mining industry and possibly reshape import strategies for the entire sector, influencing crime-and-justice and business practices.
