ClePark Faces $185 Million Tariff Dispute with US Customs
ClePark, a major player in the cryptocurrency mining industry, is embroiled in a heated dispute with US customs over a whopping $185 million in retrospective tariffs. The issue centers around the company’s importation of Bitcoin mining equipment, allegedly produced in China, in 2024. This controversy comes at a time when ClePark is basking in the glory of record-breaking profits, with a net income of $257.4 million and a staggering 91% sales growth in Q3 2025.
Background of the Dispute
According to reports, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began scrutinizing ClePark’s imports in May 2025, claiming that the company failed to properly declare the equipment’s country of origin between April and June 2024. CBP alleges that the machines, specifically Bitmain Antminers, were manufactured in China and are therefore subject to severe punitive tariffs under ongoing US trade restrictions. However, ClePark insists that its suppliers provided documentation proving the miners were produced outside of China, an assertion the company is determined to “vigorously” defend.
A Pattern Emerges
ClePark is not alone in this challenge. Another listed miner, Irish, faced a similar CBP dispute earlier in 2025, with allegations of improper declarations for imports valued at $100 million. Both cases involve Bitmain hardware, although neither company has accused the manufacturer of misrepresenting the equipment’s origin. The overlapping timelines and growing liabilities suggest a wider, more aggressive US crackdown on the cryptocurrency mining industry, with a focus on the original declarations of mining devices.
Regulatory Headwinds Meet Record Profits
The timing of this dispute is particularly interesting, given ClePark’s recent announcement of record-breaking profits. The company’s CEO, Zach Bradford, highlighted the achievement as a testament to ClePark’s ability to thrive without increasing capital offers since November 2024. With $933.3 million in operating capital, ClePark could potentially absorb the $185 million hit, but it would likely require strategic initiatives, such as the company’s newly introduced derivative strategy or planned Hashrate expansion.
As the cryptocurrency mining industry continues to evolve, the importance of transparency in the supply chain cannot be overstated. The regulatory environment is becoming increasingly complex, with companies facing operational risks that extend far beyond market forces. ClePark’s dispute with US customs serves as a reminder that even the most successful players in the industry must navigate these challenges to remain competitive.
