U.S. Approves Nvidia's H200 AI Chip Exports to China with 25% Surcharge

The United States has authorized Nvidia to export its H200 artificial intelligence chips to approved customers in China, subject to a 25% surcharge on these transactions. President Donald Trump announced the decision, stating that the policy aims to protect national security, create American jobs, and maintain the country's leadership in AI.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is finalizing the details of this policy, which will also apply to other American technology firms, including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel. The decision represents a partial easing of previous restrictions on advanced chip exports to China.

Nvidia welcomed the move, noting that offering the H200 to approved commercial customers, vetted by the Department of Commerce, strikes a thoughtful balance that is beneficial for America.

However, the decision has sparked criticism from national security advocates and some lawmakers who argue that the chips could aid China's military capabilities. In contrast, others see the policy as balancing economic and security interests.

The announcement comes amid ongoing U.S. restrictions on semiconductor exports to China, aimed at protecting national security amid technological competition.