Tether has announced its decision to wind down support for USDT on five lesser-used blockchains as usage on these networks continues to decline. This strategic move is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, when redemptions and token minting will cease on the Omni Layer, Bitcoin Cash’s Simple Ledger Protocol, Kusama, EOS, and Algorand. Remaining tokens on these networks will be frozen on the same date, as outlined in a recent statement from the company.
The five blockchains in question represent only a small fraction of USDT’s impressive $156 billion market cap. Tether has observed a significant decrease in the usage of USDT across these networks over the past two years. In light of these developments, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino remarked, “Sunsetting support for these legacy chains allows us to focus on platforms that offer greater scalability, developer activity, and community engagement — all key components for driving the next wave of stablecoin adoption.”
This pivot will enable Tether to concentrate on Layer 2 networks, such as the Lightning Network, as well as newer blockchains that promise faster transaction settlements and enhanced developer tools. These upgrades are essential for meeting the evolving needs of users and developers in the fast-paced world of blockchain technology.
In light of the upcoming changes, Tether encourages its customers holding USDT on the affected blockchains to redeem their holdings at their earliest convenience or to request the issuance of their tokens on supported blockchains. Token holders have the option to migrate their assets through reliable blockchain bridges or exchanges.
Currently, the majority of Tether’s $156 billion supply resides on Tron and Ethereum, which together account for over 95% of the total USDT circulation. Additionally, Solana stands as the only other network hosting more than 1% of USDT’s supply, according to data from RWA.xyz.
This strategic decision reflects Tether’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of the stablecoin market, as the company adapts to a rapidly changing digital landscape.
