The Nvidia H200 export saga, as it happened — Beijing ponders response and buyers line up, while Blackwell remains locked behind restrictions

The U.S. government has approved the export of Nvidia's high-performance H200 AI chips to China, subject to strict conditions like inspection in the U.S. and a 25% import duty. This decision follows concerns that previous bans were driving Chinese firms to develop domestic alternatives. Chinese regulators are considering import limits tied to promoting domestic accelerators, and Nvidia's ability to meet demand in China may be limited by supply constraints. The approval of H200 exports is seen as a short-term concession to balance technological superiority while slowing China's push for chip independence. Compliance measures have been put in place to prevent diversion and smuggling of the chips, reflecting broader concerns about enforcing export controls.