Nvidia CEO Dismisses Blackwell Chip Sales to China
- Jensen Huang addresses export restrictions and AI competition concerns
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated on Friday that the company is not engaged in any active discussions about selling its advanced Blackwell AI chips to China. The announcement comes amid ongoing U.S. export restrictions, which have blocked the sale of Nvidia’s flagship chip over concerns it could bolster China’s military and domestic AI capabilities. Speculation had emerged following diplomatic talks in South Korea between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping, suggesting a potential deal for a scaled-down version of the chip. However, Huang confirmed that no agreement is in place and no shipments are planned.
Export Policy and Market Access
Speaking during a visit to Tainan, Taiwan, Huang emphasized that Nvidia currently has no plans to ship Blackwell chips to China. He noted that any future access would depend on changes in Chinese policy, adding that the country has shown little interest in welcoming Nvidia’s products. Although the U.S. government has permitted the sale of Nvidia’s H20 chip in China, Huang said the company holds zero market share in the advanced AI chip segment there. His comments reflect the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on technology trade and market dynamics.
The CEO’s remarks were broadcast live on Taiwan’s Formosa TV News network, where he also discussed his visit to long-time partner TSMC. He described business conditions as strong and said he returned to Taiwan to support the company during its annual sports day. When asked about Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s plan to build a semiconductor fabrication facility, Huang acknowledged the complexity of such an endeavor. He stressed that manufacturing advanced chips like those produced by TSMC requires significant expertise and infrastructure.
Clarifying AI Race Commentary
Huang also addressed recent media coverage of his comments on China’s position in the global AI race. He clarified that he did not claim China would win, but rather acknowledged the country’s substantial progress and talent pool. According to Huang, half of the world’s AI researchers are based in China, and many leading open-source models originate there. He warned that the United States must continue to innovate rapidly to remain competitive in a fast-moving global landscape.
The CEO’s statements underscore the competitive nature of AI development and the strategic importance of chip technology. While Nvidia remains a dominant force in the sector, its limited access to the Chinese market presents challenges. Huang’s visit to Taiwan highlights the company’s reliance on key partners like TSMC to maintain production and innovation momentum. The broader implications of export controls and international competition continue to shape the future of AI hardware.
Nvidia’s Blackwell chip, introduced in 2024, is designed to handle large-scale AI workloads and is considered one of the most powerful chips ever developed for training and inference. Its restricted availability has made it a focal point in discussions about technological sovereignty and global AI leadership.
