Nvidia Prohibited from Selling Advanced AI Chip to China by White House
- ByStartupStory | November 5, 2025
Nvidia Prohibited from Selling Advanced AI Chip to China by White House
The White House has confirmed that Nvidia, the world’s leading AI chipmaker, is currently barred from exporting its most advanced AI processor, the Blackwell chip, to China. Despite speculation and previous hints from former President Donald Trump about potentially permitting limited exports at the recent US-China summit, the administration decided against allowing sales of the top-tier chips to the Chinese market at this time, citing national security concerns.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the Blackwell chip, central to next-generation AI workloads, will be reserved for domestic use by US companies only. This decision aligns with broader US export controls designed to restrict China’s access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology that could enhance its AI and military capabilities.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed disappointment over the restrictions, highlighting the company’s significant contributions to China’s AI ecosystem before the ban. Huang noted that Nvidia has not even applied for export licenses for its latest chips to China due to the geopolitical and regulatory environment. He cautioned that ongoing policy isolating Chinese developers might ultimately harm the US technology leadership position by pushing talent and innovation toward other global players.
China has simultaneously strengthened enforcement on imported US semiconductor products, including Nvidia’s AI chips, with customs authorities implementing stricter inspections to curtail unauthorized shipments. Reports also indicate that Chinese tech companies have been instructed to cease purchases of specific Nvidia models designed for the domestic market, such as the RT Pro 0D.
This high-stakes clash over AI chip access symbolizes the growing tension between the US and China in controlling critical technology infrastructure. While Nvidia reported record bookings and investments in US government AI supercomputers powered by Blackwell chips, its ability to serve the Chinese market remains severely restricted.
In summary, US policy currently prohibits Nvidia from exporting its most advanced AI chips to China, a move reflecting the intensifying technology competition and geopolitical considerations shaping the global AI race. This limits China’s immediate access to cutting-edge AI hardware while Nvidia navigates a complex international landscape balancing innovation and regulatory compliance.
Follow Startup Story
Related Posts
