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21 hour ago
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Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Rises Amidst Falling Hashprice and Regulatory Concerns

The upcoming Bitcoin difficulty adjustment is projected to increase from 149 trillion to nearly 150 trillion at block 927,360. This change affects miners' profitability as hashpower remains high despite low returns.

Hashprice Near Break-Even

  • Hashrate Index reports a hashprice of approximately $38.3 PH/s per day, slightly up from below $35 PH/s on November 21.
  • The break-even point for many miners is around $40 PH/s, leading some to consider shutting down or continuing to operate at a loss.
  • The recent network average block time was about 9.97 minutes, prompting a difficulty adjustment from 152.2 trillion to 149.3 trillion.

Hardware, Politics, and Supply Risks

  • The US Department of Homeland Security is investigating Bitmain, which controls 80% of the ASIC market, over possible remote access concerns.
  • Potential US restrictions could increase hardware costs and delay equipment deliveries, affecting mining operations.

China's Mining Ban Likely to Persist

  • China's global hash rate increased from 13.75% in Q1 2025 to 14%, ranking third after the US and Russia.
  • Despite a rise in activity, experts doubt China will lift its Bitcoin mining ban due to political and policy concerns.