Trump clears way for sale of powerful Nvidia H200 chips to China

Under a new policy, US President Donald Trump has approved Nvidia to sell its H200 chip to China, easing previous export restrictions. The agreement, announced on December 9, 2025, allows exports to "approved customers" with 25% of sales revenue going to the US government. Trump stated the policy aims to support American jobs and manufacturing, benefiting taxpayers. Nvidia shares rose following the announcement, which reverses the Biden administration's policy of only allowing downgraded chip exports to China. While the H200 is not Nvidia's most advanced chip, it is significantly more powerful than previous versions, but the latest Blackwell series will remain restricted from the Chinese market.

Donald Trump has approved Nvidia to sell its H200 AI chips to approved customers in China, reversing previous restrictions due to national security concerns. Trump stated the US would receive 25% of the proceeds from these sales, a higher percentage than previously negotiated. He intends to extend this offer to other chip companies like AMD and Intel. This decision follows months of lobbying by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who has close ties to Trump. Some lawmakers, including Senators Warren and Kim, have voiced concerns that selling these chips could bolster China's surveillance, censorship, and military capabilities, urging the Commerce Secretary to reconsider. Warren has called for Huang to testify before Congress.