Bitcoin Network Sees 36 Solo-Mined Blocks in 2025 as Mining Difficulty Rises in 2026

The Bitcoin network’s mining difficulty dipped to 146.4 trillion on January 8, marking the first adjustment of 2026. This brief reprieve for miners follows a year of intense competition and shrinking profit margins. Despite this reduction, the difficulty is expected to rise again on January 22, as faster-than-expected block times signal a need for a harder adjustment.

The adjustment reflects ongoing challenges in the mining sector, driven by the 2024 halving event, which cut block rewards in half. The drop in rewards significantly reduced mining margins, making operations less profitable. Additionally, the miner hash price has fallen below break-even levels, intensifying financial pressure.

Crypto price declines and U.S. policy shifts have compounded these difficulties. Bitcoin’s price dropped by over 30% in November, reaching just above $80,000. Meanwhile, new U.S. tariffs have raised concerns about supply chain disruptions, further complicating operations for miners.

Why Did Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Drop?

The recent adjustment reduced Bitcoin mining difficulty after average block times fell to 9.88 minutes, slightly below the 10-minute target. This suggests that more computational power is being applied to the network, prompting the adjustment to keep block times in balance.

However, the drop is temporary. Analysts predict the next adjustment on January 22 will increase difficulty to 148.2 trillion, as the network recalibrates to maintain the 10-minute block time standard.

How Are Miners Responding to Economic Pressures?

Bitcoin miners are adjusting their strategies to cope with shrinking margins. For example, Riot Platforms sold 1,818 BTC in December to reduce its treasury holdings. This move aligns with a broader trend of miners liquidating Bitcoin reserves to fund operations as profitability declines.

The miner hash price, a key metric for mining profitability, has remained near historic lows in recent months. This has forced many miners to operate on razor-thin margins or temporarily halt operations.

What Are the Implications of Trump’s Policies on Mining Operations?

New U.S. tariffs introduced during President Donald Trump’s term have raised concerns about the availability of mining equipment and other critical components. These policies, combined with the economic strain from the halving event and crypto market volatility, have created a challenging environment for Bitcoin miners.

Additionally, Trump’s administration has taken a more interventionist approach to cryptocurrency regulation. For instance, an executive order was issued to block courts from seizing Venezuelan oil revenue in U.S. accounts. While not directly related to Bitcoin mining, it signals a broader shift in how the government is approaching digital assets and resource management.