Nvidia ($NVDA) could regain limited access to China’s AI chip market under a new U.S. plan that would permit controlled exports of its H200 GPU, a move the Trump administration views as a balance between national security and commercial interests.
Key facts:
- The White House may authorize Commerce Department licenses for Nvidia’s H200 chips, which trail its newest Blackwell GPUs by about 18 months.
- The decision would mark a partial reversal after previous bans on the A100, H100, and H20 chips restricted Nvidia’s China sales.
- Nvidia stock rose over 2% following reports of potential approval.
- The H200 would be sold under a framework requiring Nvidia to remit roughly 15% of China-related revenue to the U.S. government.
- The Thacker Pass project is expected to be the largest lithium source in the Western Hemisphere.
- China’s state-backed tech sector has accelerated domestic chip development, led by Huawei’s Ascend GPUs and startups like Moore Threads.
- Congress is weighing the SAFE Chips Act, which could impose a 30-month ban on exporting advanced AI chips like the H200 and Blackwell to China.
Relevant Companies
- Nvidia ($NVDA): Could regain a foothold in China’s AI market through licensed H200 exports.
- AMD ($AMD): Likely to seek similar export permissions for its AI chip lines.
- Huawei (Private): Expanding domestic AI chip capabilities amid U.S. export controls.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
