Trump Administration Weighs Allowing Nvidia H200 Chip Exports to China

The White House is considering a policy shift that would permit Nvidia to export its H200 AI chips to Chinese firms, according to Bloomberg sources. Discussions center on balancing technological competitiveness with national security concerns, marking a potential departure from previous export restrictions.

Negotiations focus on the H200—a more powerful alternative to China's currently permitted H20 model, but still based on Nvidia's older Hopper architecture. The cutting-edge Blackwell line remains off-limits. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested future Blackwell exports might be possible once the technology becomes outdated, stating "Maybe in a year or two" during congressional testimony.

This deliberation occurs against the backdrop of diplomatic overtures between the TRUMP administration and Chinese President Xi Jinping. While Nvidia's chips weren't formally discussed during last month's meeting, officials have left the door open for continued dialogue on controlled technology transfers.