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Nvidia AI Chips Export: 7 Shocking Facts Behind the U.S. Decision to Release H200 Chips to China

December 8, 2025

Nvidia AI Chips Export: U.S. Approves Limited H200 Shipments to China

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U.S. Eases Restrictions on Nvidia AI Chips Export to China

In a major policy shift, the U.S. Department of Commerce has approved limited Nvidia AI Chips export to China, specifically allowing the company to deliver older batches of its advanced H200 GPUs. The approval—initially reported by Semafor—gives Nvidia the green light to sell the 18-month-old H200 chips to vetted commercial customers in China. CNBC added that the U.S. government will take a 25% revenue share on these sales.

This decision marks a nuanced shift from earlier restrictions that banned exports of high-performance AI chips, including earlier Nvidia models that were deemed a national-security risk.

H200 GPUs vs. H20: A Significant Performance Gap

While Nvidia previously designed the H20 chip to meet U.S. export rules for China, the H200 chip is far more capable. Despite being an older batch, the H200 still delivers substantial computational power, making it an attractive option for Chinese companies facing shortages.

Nvidia welcomed the policy change, stating that President Trump’s decision helps protect American manufacturing jobs while maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the semiconductor sector.

Nvidia AI Chips Export highlighting U.S. approval of H200 chip sales to China

Congressional Pushback on Nvidia AI Chips Export

Congress is still raising red flags about the Nvidia AI Chips export decision. On December 4, Senators Pete Ricketts and Chris Coons introduced the Secure and Feasible Exports Act (SAFE Chips Act), seeking a 30-month ban on advanced AI chip exports to China.

If passed, the bill would force the Department of Commerce to deny all future export licenses—directly conflicting with the Trump administration’s newly relaxed policy. With the administration confirming approval on December 8, the future of the SAFE Chips Act remains uncertain.

Policy Reversals Mark the Year’s Tech Diplomacy

Earlier in 2024 and 2025, U.S. export rules fluctuated significantly:

In April, the Trump administration required licenses for all AI chip exports.
In May, it officially canceled the Biden-era diffusion rule.
During the summer, officials hinted at allowing exports with the U.S. taking a 15% revenue cut.

The recent 25% revenue share reflects a broader strategy to use semiconductor exports as leverage in trade discussions with China.

Nvidia AI Chips Export and global semiconductor supply chain changes

China’s Domestic Market Under Pressure

China’s domestic chip environment has struggled with shifting U.S. policies. In September, the Cyberspace Administration of China banned local companies from purchasing Nvidia hardware, pushing them toward domestic options from Huawei and Alibaba. However, these chips still lag significantly behind Nvidia’s offerings in performance and software compatibility.

Trump noted in a Truth Social update that President Xi Jinping “responded positively” to the new export approval—a sign that the policy may help smooth tensions between the world’s two largest tech powers.

What This Means for the Future of Nvidia AI Chips Export

The approval allows Nvidia to re-enter one of its most important markets, though under strict monitoring. For the U.S., the decision reflects an attempt to balance national security concerns, economic interests, and technology leadership.

Whether Congress succeeds in passing the SAFE Chips Act—effectively reversing this decision—will shape the future of the Nvidia AI Chips export landscape.