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Bitcoin Miners Adjusting Business Strategies Amid US-Canada Trade Tensions

Bitcoin miners are adapting their business strategies in light of the ongoing trade tensions between the US and Canada, which are causing uncertainty in energy prices and policies. The Ontario government is reconsidering plans to increase the cost of power exports to the US following President Trump's threats to raise tariffs on steel and aluminum. Initially, Ontario Premier Doug Ford considered cutting off electricity completely, but has since softened his stance. Despite the current pause in the trade war, crypto companies are preparing for potential policy changes to protect their growth. Some Bitcoin miners, like Bitfarms in Canada, are closely monitoring energy market fluctuations and the potential impacts of tariffs on their operations. The tariffs could shape future policy and regulatory frameworks, prompting miners to seek increased access to electricity markets and reduced business regulations. The energy policy discussion in Canada has been contentious, with critics accusing the government of damaging the economy with emission reduction strategies. Bitcoin miners are discovering unexpected advantages from tariffs on industrial goods, as they can manage their electricity costs by utilizing underutilized energy sources. Bitfarms, which operates in Pennsylvania, could benefit from the revival of American manufacturing industries impacted by outsourcing. While Canadian miners may face fewer repercussions from tariffs, American miners importing hardware from China are experiencing delays and higher costs due to tariffs and customs fees. Chinese mining hardware manufacturers are contemplating establishing operations in other countries to evade US sanctions and tariffs.

Taras Kulyk, CEO of Synteq Digital, expressed that the expenses were too steep to sustain operations. Chinese mining hardware manufacturers, such as Bitmain, may relocate to other countries to avoid US sanctions. During Trump's initial term, numerous mining hardware manufacturers shifted to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand to avoid tariffs on Chinese goods. Bitmain is planning to introduce a US production line by December 2024 to better cater to North American clients. The unpredictability of Trump's economic policies has presented challenges for the crypto industry, with the European Union hinting at retaliatory tariffs against the US. Marcin Kazmierczak, co-founder of RedStone, cautioned that Bitcoin could plummet to $75,000, a level not observed since November 2024.

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