Why does the Mac mini M1 only has 2 USB ports?

This is a user helping other users with tech questions

forum, you are not addressing apple here 

just  fellow users

so one can only guess maybe to cut cost?

you can connect just about as many ac powered usb hubs as you see fit

https://www.amazon.com/Powered-Usb-Hub/s?k=Powered+Usb+Hub

and get more usb ports then you will ever need

As Matt pointed out, you have 4 USB ports, two USB-A and 2 USB-C which are usable as USB with adapters or cables. Use wireless for mouse and keyboard, and avoid hubs, they are, for the most part, unnecessary.

Mac mini M1 has 4 USB ports: 2 x USB-A + 2 x Thunderbolt.

Mac mini 2018 has 6 USB ports: 2 x USB-A + 4 x Thunderbolt.