Nvidia’s H200 AI Chip Sales to China Delayed by US Security Review
Photo Credit: Nvidia Newsroom
Sales of Nvidia’s advanced H200 artificial intelligence chips to China remain uncertain, even nearly two months after the US government approved exports in principle. According to a report by the Financial Times, the delay is due to an ongoing US national security review, which is creating confusion among Chinese buyers.
As a result, many Chinese companies are holding back on placing orders until it becomes clear whether export licences will be granted and under what conditions. In January, the US Commerce Department relaxed some export restrictions on the H200 chip for China, but it also made licences subject to reviews by the US State, Defense, and Energy departments.
While the Commerce Department has reportedly completed its assessment, the State Department is said to be pushing for stricter controls to prevent the chips from being used in ways that could harm US national security interests. Nvidia and the US State Department have not yet commented publicly on the issue.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently expressed hope that the licensing process would be completed soon, allowing sales to move forward. Meanwhile, China has reportedly approved its first batch of H200 chips for import, showing its effort to balance access to advanced AI technology with the development of its own domestic capabilities.
Source: The Economic Times
