The US government has reportedly granted approval for ten Chinese companies to purchase NVIDIA’s highly sought-after H200 AI chips. This marks a significant development in the ongoing technology trade discussions between the US and China. While the companies can now buy up to 75,000 chips, some have reportedly held back after receiving guidance from Chinese authorities.

Background on NVIDIA’s AI Chips and US Restrictions

NVIDIA’s H200 is one of the company’s most powerful AI processors, second only to the even more advanced B200 chips. These chips are essential for AI research, data centers, and advanced computing tasks. Previously, US restrictions limited NVIDIA from selling these chips to China due to concerns they could bolster military technology.

In late 2025, the US eased some restrictions, allowing NVIDIA to sell H200 processors to approved Chinese firms. The first shipments were supposed to go to three unnamed Chinese internet companies. However, the sale process remains cautious, with companies pulling back after receiving guidance from Chinese authorities.

Chinese Companies and the Global Tech Landscape

Among those allowed to purchase the chips are major Chinese firms like Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance, JD.com, Lenovo, and Foxconn. These companies could, in theory, buy up to 75,000 chips directly from NVIDIA or through intermediaries. However, there are indications that many have paused their plans based on recent government advice.

China has been actively developing its own chip industry, especially after US export bans. Local companies are working on their own advanced processors to reduce reliance on foreign technology. The Chinese government is also concerned that the US might embed hidden vulnerabilities in imported chips, especially since US law requires certain sales to pass through US territory for tax purposes.

Recently, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang visited Beijing with former President Donald Trump for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This visit has sparked speculation about future cooperation and whether it might lead to more Chinese companies getting the green light to buy the H200 chips.

Overall, the situation remains fluid. While the US has given some companies access, geopolitical concerns and internal Chinese policies continue to influence the flow of advanced technology. It will be interesting to see how this develops in the coming months and whether China will fully embrace these chips or continue to push for local alternatives.

Inspired by

• https://www.engadget.com/2172686/us-reportedly-allows-10-chinese-companies-to-buy-nvidia-h200-chips/

Sources

• reuters.com