So, is the AI chip freeze finally thawing?
Washington has given Nvidia the go-ahead to resume sales of its powerful H200 AI processors to China.
The US Commerce Department confirmed on Tuesday — though not without firm conditions.
The H200, Nvidia’s second-most-advanced chip, had been off-limits amid fears it could boost China’s tech and military ambitions.
Now, officials say the chips can be shipped only if US supply remains secure.
They can be shipped only to approved Chinese customers who meet strict security standards and keep the technology out of military use.
President Donald Trump, who floated the idea last month, added a twist: a 25% fee on Nvidia’s China sales.
Chip Export Eased
Nvidia welcomed the decision, telling the BBC it would help support US manufacturing and jobs.
But don’t mistake this for a full reset. Nvidia’s cutting-edge Blackwell processor is still banned from China.
It underscores how tightly controlled this tech remains.
Beijing wasn’t thrilled. “We oppose the politicisation and weaponisation of tech,” said Chinese embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu.
He warned the restrictions disrupt global supply chains.
Nvidia now finds itself once again in the middle of a high-stakes tech tug-of-war.
The real question? Can business thrive when every chip comes with geopolitical baggage?
