U.S. Customs Seizes Bitcoin ASIC Miners Amid Trade Tensions in 2025

U.S. Customs seizes bitcoin mining machines under FCC orders amid rising trade tensions with China. ASIC miners face scrutiny over potential radio frequency violations and banned tech components.

New Report Reveals ASIC Mining Machines Confiscated Under FCC Orders

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been seizing bitcoin application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mining machines under orders from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), according to a recent report by Blockspace. These seizures, reportedly initiated in January 2025, highlight the increasing intersection of trade policy and technology regulation amid rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.

The Reason Behind the Seizures: Radio Frequency Emissions

Blockspace’s report points to documents and sources familiar with the matter, revealing that CBP has been confiscating bitcoin mining rigs due to potential violations of FCC regulations concerning radio frequency emissions. The FCC enforces these rules to prevent unauthorized communication components from interfering with legitimate communications systems. Among the devices seized, the Bitmain S21 Pro 200TH cryptocurrency mining machine has been identified as one of the key models affected by these actions.

Speculation of Banned AI Chips and Unauthorized Components

The seized machines are also speculated to contain artificial intelligence (AI) chips manufactured by companies like Sophgo, which has been banned in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Sources suggest that these mining machines may have been carrying unauthorized tech components, thereby breaching U.S. trade regulations. This development aligns with the U.S.’s broader strategy to bolster semiconductor production domestically and reduce reliance on foreign technology, particularly from China.

Previous Seizures and Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny

This is not the first time such action has been taken. Last year, U.S. authorities also seized bitcoin miners under similar circumstances, citing issues related to paperwork and regulatory compliance. These recent seizures further underscore the intensifying regulatory scrutiny faced by cryptocurrency infrastructure, especially as the U.S. seeks to protect its technological interests amidst an escalating global semiconductor rivalry.

Global Tech Trade and Future Implications for ASIC Miners

As the trade war between the U.S. and China continues to heat up, the confiscations of bitcoin miners could signal broader implications for the future of international tech trade. Cryptocurrency miners around the world who rely on imported hardware may need to navigate stricter regulatory environments moving forward.

Stay informed on the latest developments as the U.S. tightens control over foreign tech and cryptocurrency infrastructure.