Under the approved framework, the chips must first be evaluated by an independent testing laboratory to assess their artificial intelligence capabilities. Exports to China will be capped at no more than 50% of the total volume of H200 chips sold to U.S. customers.
Nvidia is also required to demonstrate that sufficient H200 supply remains available in the United States. Chinese buyers, in turn, must provide assurances that the chips will not be used for military purposes and that appropriate security measures are in place.
In a statement, Nvidia said the Trump administration’s decision “strikes a thoughtful balance that benefits America” and allows the company to remain competitive in global markets.
“Critics of the administration are inadvertently advancing the interests of foreign competitors,” Nvidia said. “America should always aim to ensure that its industry can compete for verified and approved commercial enterprises while supporting real jobs for American workers.”
A Seaport Research equity analyst described the export restrictions as a compromise.
“As we’ve seen, Chinese firms have found ways to access these chips regardless,” the analyst said. “The U.S. government is taking a highly transactional approach to exports. In other words, this is more like a band-aid — a temporary attempt to cover a massive gap in U.S. export-control policy.”
China remains cautious
Chinese authorities, however, are reportedly less enthusiastic. According to The Information, the Chinese government has informed some domestic technology companies that purchases of H200 chips will be approved only in special cases, such as for university research.
The report says regulators issued a deliberately vague directive instructing firms to buy the semiconductors only when “necessary.”
Previously, the government had asked certain companies to pause H200 orders altogether, as Beijing seeks to prioritize domestic chip development in the race for AI dominance.
Conclusion
The decision to allow limited exports of Nvidia’s H200 chips underscores the growing tension between geopolitical control and economic reality in the AI race.
