The latest round of U.S. tariffs on the semiconductor industry is unlikely to impact bitcoin mining hardware manufacturers, thanks to key exemptions for leading chipmakers with domestic operations.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung, two of the largest producers of Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) used in bitcoin mining, have secured exemptions from the newly imposed 100% tariffs. Both companies have significant operations in the U.S.—TSMC’s facility in Phoenix launched in 2023, while Samsung continues to expand its fabs in Texas.

Taiwanese officials confirmed TSMC’s exemption in local media, while South Korean authorities issued similar confirmation regarding Samsung. These exemptions shield BTC mining ASIC designers such as Bitmain, Canaan, and Bitdeer, who rely on these manufacturers for chip production.

Bitdeer, in a statement to CoinDesk, said its partnership with TSMC would protect it from the tariff fallout. The company also revealed plans to launch a U.S.-based assembly plant within the next year. Bitmain and Canaan did not respond to requests for comment.

Markets appear to have largely shrugged off the new tariffs. Taiwan’s TAIEX index is poised to open Friday up 2.3%, with TSMC gaining 3% and nearing record highs. Even companies directly affected by the policy showed resilience—Shanghai-based SMIC, which lacks U.S. facilities, posted gains in Hong Kong, outperforming the broader Hang Seng index.

Market Highlights

• Bitcoin (BTC): After reaching a new all-time high of $123,000, BTC is now trading at $117,386.04. According to CryptoQuant, momentum has cooled, and on-chain indicators suggest a period of consolidation or minor pullback.
• Ethereum (ETH): ETH is trading at $3,905.42 (+6.43%) as it nears the $4,000 mark. Glassnode data shows a capital rotation from Solana to Ethereum, with ETH/BTC breaking above its 200-day EMA for the first time in two years. Open interest stands at $58 billion, with network activity hitting new highs.
• Gold: Prices climbed to $3,387 (+0.5%) as markets evaluate the implications of U.S. tariffs on India over its imports of Russian oil.
• Nikkei 225: Japan’s benchmark index rose 1.18% on Friday, with the Topix reaching a record 3,031.78. Gains were led by Nippon Chemical Industrial, Miyakoshi Holdings, J-Lease, and Japan Electronic Materials.
• S&P 500: U.S. equities gained Wednesday, with the S&P 500 closing 0.73% higher at 6,345.06. Apple surged 5% following its announcement of an additional $100B investment in U.S. manufacturing, raising its total to $600B over four years.