New York: The United States has confirmed that it will allow Nvidia to export its H200 artificial intelligence chips to China under a controlled licensing system. The move marks a shift in earlier policy that restricted advanced chip exports over national security concerns.
According to officials and company sources, the new approval will apply to Nvidia’s H200 model, which is considered one step below the company’s most advanced Blackwell series. The clearance may also allow similar exports by other US chipmakers including AMD and Intel, though each sale will require government review.
The approval comes with conditions. Shipments must go through a licensing process and will be subject to a 25 percent import tariff. Companies purchasing the chips in China will also need US clearance before receiving the technology.
The policy change has received mixed reactions in the United States. Supporters argue that the decision protects the competitiveness of American companies and prevents China from fully turning to domestic alternatives. Nvidia relies on the Chinese market for a large share of global demand in data centers and artificial intelligence development.
However some lawmakers and security analysts have criticized the decision, warning that advanced chips could support China’s military research and surveillance technology. A group of senators described the move as a strategic mistake and called for tighter oversight.
The announcement came shortly after US authorities revealed that they had arrested two individuals accused of illegally attempting to smuggle Nvidia chips to China. Officials said the case involved about 160 million dollars worth of hardware and highlighted the challenges of enforcing export controls.
The new export rules reflect a balancing act between protecting national security and maintaining the economic health of the US semiconductor industry. Market analysts say the decision could ease trade tensions but uncertainty remains about how Chinese companies will respond after years of restrictions.
Industry observers expect shipments to begin once licensing applications are processed in the coming months.