Bitcoin News Today: CleanSpark Faces 185M Dollar Tariff Risk Over Misclassified Chinese Bitcoin Miners

CleanSpark Inc. has found itself embroiled in a significant customs dispute with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which alleges that certain Bitcoin mining rigs imported between April and June 2024 were mislabeled and of Chinese origin. This misclassification has led to a potential tariff exposure of up to $185 million in punitive duties, according to a recent filing by the company [1]. The affected equipment, primarily Bitmain’s Antminers, is reportedly subject to these charges due to CBP’s determination of their origin [1].

The firm has not yet recorded any provision for these potential duties, as it maintains that the likelihood of cash outflow is currently not probable. CleanSpark has strongly denied the allegations, emphasizing that all import documentation and supplier contracts confirm the equipment was not produced in China [1]. In its public statement, the company affirmed its intention to contest the CBP’s claim vigorously, calling the allegations "without merit" [1].

This case is not isolated. Another U.S.-listed mining firm, IREN, disclosed a similar dispute in recent reports, facing a $100 million tariff claim from CBP over mining hardware imported between April 2024 and February 2025. IREN has also contested the claims and is challenging the agency’s Notice of Action [1]. Both cases suggest a growing regulatory scrutiny of import origin declarations within the U.S. cryptocurrency mining sector, particularly concerning equipment suspected to have Chinese ties.

The implications of these disputes extend beyond individual financial exposure. If the CBP prevails, it could impose significant financial burdens on U.S. mining firms and force a reevaluation of import practices. As the cases progress, the responses from CleanSpark and IREN—both in terms of legal defense and financial strategy—will serve as key indicators of how the industry adapts to evolving trade enforcement measures [1].

Source: [1] CleanSpark Faces $185M Tariff Risk Over Bitcoin Miner (https://theminermag.com/news/2025-08-08/cleanspark-bitcoin-tariff)