Nvidia’s H200 AI Chip Faces Chinese Customs Block Despite U.S. Approval
Nvidia's H200 AI chip, recently approved for export to China under U.S. conditions, has been halted by Chinese customs authorities. The second-most-powerful AI chip in Nvidia's lineup now sits in regulatory limbo, creating an unusual reversal where Beijing—not Washington—is the blocking force.
Taiwanese server manufacturer Inventec confirms the impasse. The company, which assembles AI servers for Chinese clients using Nvidia chips at its Shanghai facility, reports frozen orders despite robust demand. "We'll wait for China's decision," stated Inventec President Jack Tsai, emphasizing compliance with local regulations.
The standoff highlights escalating tech tensions between the superpowers. While U.S. export controls typically restrict advanced chip sales, China's MOVE suggests either protectionism for domestic semiconductor firms or strategic positioning in broader trade negotiations. Market analysts note the H200's pivotal role in AI infrastructure development—a sector where both nations seek dominance.
