Nvidia H200 chip China sales have officially been approved by the United States, but only under strict conditions. The decision allows Nvidia to export its advanced artificial intelligence chips while ensuring US national security concerns are addressed.
The approval is expected to boost Nvidia’s sales of its second-most powerful AI chip. However, US regulations clearly limit how many chips China can receive.
Rules for Nvidia H200 Chip China Exports
Under the new rules, China cannot receive more than 50% of the total H200 chips sold to US customers. In addition, every chip must be reviewed by a third-party laboratory to confirm its artificial intelligence capabilities before export.
Nvidia must also ensure that there are enough chips available for the US market first. Chinese buyers will need to prove they follow strong security procedures and confirm the chips will not be used for military purposes.
Trump Approves Sales With Conditions
President Donald Trump announced the approval on December 8 through Truth Social. He said the Nvidia H200 chip China exports would be allowed only for “approved customers” and would include a 25% fee paid to the US government.
Some lawmakers criticized the move, arguing that selling advanced AI chips could weaken US national security and reduce America’s lead in artificial intelligence.
Previously, these concerns led the Biden administration to restrict advanced AI chip exports to China as part of the ongoing US–China tech competition.
Why Nvidia H200 Chip China Sales Matter
Supporters of the decision say the policy will help protect US innovation while creating jobs. Trump stated that the new rules will strengthen American manufacturing and benefit taxpayers.
He also announced that companies like AMD and Intel may receive approval to sell similar chips to China under the same conditions.
According to Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping responded positively to the decision.
Experts Share Mixed Reactions
David Sacks, head of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, said exporting advanced chips could weaken competitors like Huawei, which faces heavy US sanctions. He believes the policy will help the US stay ahead in the global AI race.
Meanwhile, experts at the Council on Foreign Relations warned that access to H200 chips could significantly boost China’s AI computing power.
According to Nvidia, the H200 chip is designed to supercharge generative AI and high-performance computing workloads while improving energy efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Nvidia H200 chip China exports highlight the delicate balance between innovation, global trade, and national security. While the policy opens new business opportunities for US companies, it also continues to spark debate in Washington.
