U.S. Is Winning Bitcoin Mining Race But China Still Not Out Of Picture: Report

Sunil Sharma
May 17, 2022 Updated July 18, 2022
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$120 Billion Oil and Gas Giant ConocoPhillips Joins The Bitcoin Mining Fuel Business

China’s underground Bitcoin mining hashrate contributes 22% to global mining hashrate as it increases by 3% in the three months leading to January, 2022 amidst government crackdown. Per data from a chart provided by Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Data, mining hashrate seems to be on the increase in Mainland China despite the government crackdown on Bitcoin mining.

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China contributed over half of global BTC hashrate in January, 2022

On the chart presented by the university, China’s hashrate reached 22% of global hashrate in January of this year, second only to the US which contributes 37.84% average monthly hashrate. Kazakhstan comes third with a hashrate of 13.22%.

China contributed to over half of global Bitcoin hashrate in January, 2021, standing firmly at a rate of 53% with the United States coming second at a contribution rate of 10.55%. China’s hashrate gradually and persistently decreased the following months following the country’s heated efforts at clamping down on BTC mining.

The Chinese government intensified its antagonism towards Bitcoin and Bitcoin mining mid last year as it stepped up its attempts at enforcing the ban on Bitcoin, forcing mainstream mining firms to cease operations in the region.

Bitcoin trading volume in China took a nosedive when the country’s capital and second most populous city Beijing officially placed a ban on the digital asset in 2017. The Chinese government has since then occasionally expressed its disapproval of the asset.

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Chinese Bitcoin mining ban not proving effective

As part of efforts to enforce the ban, a committee led by the Vice Premier of China, Liu He revealed moves to clamp down on Bitcoin mining operations within the country mid last year – efforts that saw mining companies like BTC.TOP and Huobi Mall suspend operations to seek shelter abroad.

The heated efforts saw BTC tumble by 50% around that time as there arose some major FUD within the crypto space which saw investors capitulate their holdings in preparation for what might come next.

Despite the ban, mining operations have gradually picked up again in China, surpassing other countries besides the US, with miners resorting to underground activities in the bid to circumvent government legislation.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Sunil is a serial entrepreneur and has been working in blockchain and cryptocurrency space for 2 years now. Previously he co-founded Govt. of India supported startup InThinks and is currently Chief Editor at Coingape and CEO at SquadX, a fintech startup. He has published more than 100 articles on cryptocurrency and blockchain and has assisted a number of ICO's in their success. He has co-designed blockchain development industrial training and has hosted many interviews in past. Follow him on X at @sharmasunil8114 and reach out to him at sunil (at) coingape.com
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.