Bitcoin mining is entering a survival phase, and the pressure is now showing up at the very top of the supply chain.
Bitmain, the largest producer of Bitcoin mining hardware, has begun offering unusually steep discounts across multiple generations of ASICs. Even some of its newest machines are now being sold at prices that would normally signal a deep industry downturn.
Key Takeaways
- Bitmain has begun cutting prices on multiple generations of mining hardware.
- Even newer, high-efficiency ASICs are being sold at steep discounts.
- Mining profitability has fallen below breakeven for many operators.
- The price cuts signal a broader reset and consolidation in the mining sector.
Premium hardware meets weak demand
Earlier in the year, demand for high-efficiency miners was driven by optimism around Bitcoin’s price. That momentum has reversed. Bitmain is now pushing bundle deals, flexible pricing, and auction-style sales, including for S19 and S21 models that were previously considered premium.
The shift reflects a sharp drop in miner appetite for new equipment as profitability continues to erode.
Bitmain’s discounting has shown up in specific bundle pricing. On Dec. 23, the company promoted a package of four S19 XP+ Hydro units combined with an ANTRACK V2 container, which implied a unit cost of roughly $4 per terahash for the 19 J/TH model, with shipping slated to begin in January 2026.
At the same time, Bitmain has been pairing hardware sales with hosted mining offers, quoting electricity rates generally in the 5.5 to 7 cents per kilowatt-hour range across locations such as the US, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Paraguay, and Ethiopia, plus a 0.3 cent management fee. The mix of discounted bundles and turnkey hosting points to a more aggressive strategy to move inventory as miners stay cautious.
Mining economics break below breakeven
At the core of the problem is mining revenue. Hashprice, a key measure of daily earnings per unit of hashpower, has fallen below levels many miners consider sustainable. Once profitability dips under breakeven, operators are forced to shut down machines, delay upgrades, or exit entirely.
That has turned hardware from a growth tool into a balance-sheet risk, reducing demand even for top-tier equipment and forcing manufacturers to cut prices to move inventory.
The April 2024 halving reduced block rewards as expected, but this cycle lacked the usual offsetting price rally. Instead, Bitcoin reversed sharply late in the year, compressing margins further just as miners needed relief.
Rising energy costs, regulatory uncertainty, and infrastructure expenses have added to the strain.
Bitmain’s pricing move highlights a wider reset in the mining sector. Expansion has given way to consolidation, cost-cutting, and survival-focused strategies. Operators are prioritizing efficiency over scale, while hardware suppliers adapt to a market no longer driven by growth.
Until mining margins recover, discounted next-generation rigs may remain one of the clearest signs that the industry is still under heavy pressure.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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Source: https://coindoo.com/bitcoin-mining-giant-bitmain-cuts-prices-on-mining-rigs/


