Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed cautious hope about the future sale of Blackwell series AI chips to China, raising important questions about US export policies and global technology competition.
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, Huang noted that while there is hope, the final decision depends on US government approval following discussions between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Blackwell chips represent Nvidia’s most advanced AI technology and have become a key issue in US-China trade tensions, especially given export controls designed to limit China’s access to critical semiconductor technology.
How did Nvidia lose its market share in China?
Nvidia once accounted for about 20 to 25 percent of its data center revenue from China and held almost a full market share locally. However, US export controls, effective in 2022, barred the sale of Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips, such as the A100 and H100, to Chinese firms.
This led to Nvidia’s market share in China dropping to zero, with Chinese authorities also prohibiting tech companies from buying Nvidia components, spurring the rise of domestic chipmakers.
Huang confirmed that Nvidia currently has no business revenue from China and has adjusted its revenue forecast accordingly, reflecting how geopolitical forces abruptly ended years of robust sales.
Did you know?
Nvidia became the first chipmaker to reach a $5 trillion market value in 2025.
What do US export controls mean for Blackwell chips?
The US government views advanced AI chips as critical national security assets and has placed strict export controls to prevent China from acquiring technology that might enhance its military capabilities.
Blackwell chips are under the tightest restrictions, requiring specific export licenses that the US government has yet to grant for sales to China.
During the South Korea summit, President Trump stated that semiconductor trade was discussed with China, but explicitly excluded the Blackwell chips from negotiations.
Huang acknowledged uncertainty but remains hopeful that future dialogues might open pathways for limited sales under US oversight.
How is China responding to US chip restrictions?
China is aggressively promoting its indigenous chip development programs, investing heavily in homegrown AI technologies. Companies like Huawei are advancing capabilities to offset reliance on US suppliers.
The Chinese government’s procurement policies have banned state companies from purchasing US AI chips, aiming to build a self-sufficient semiconductor industry.
This strategy reflects a broader trend of technological decoupling, raising the bar for Nvidia’s potential reentry into the market despite the demand for cutting-edge AI chips.
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What needs to happen for Nvidia to sell chips in China?
A coordinated diplomatic and regulatory effort is essential for any change. US policymakers would need to approve export licenses, possibly with strict conditions on usage and end-user monitoring. C
ontinued diplomatic engagement between the US and China, as seen in the recent summit, remains crucial.
Nvidia would also require China to show an openness to compliance with export rules and assurances against military or sensitive use, while navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Why is Nvidia’s global business still growing?
Even without China, Nvidia hit an unprecedented $5 trillion valuation in 2025. The company has secured massive orders in South Korea and other Asia-Pacific markets, including supply deals involving over 260,000 Blackwell AI chips with government agencies and top corporations such as Samsung and SK Group.
Nvidia’s leadership in AI technology, diversification of markets, and strong investor confidence reflect its continued ability to thrive amid geopolitical challenges and supply chain realignments.
Looking ahead, Nvidia’s future depends on global politics, technology diplomacy, and its ability to innovate in a competitive and constrained environment.
The company’s fate in China epitomizes the intersection of commerce and geopolitics shaping the AI industry’s next chapter.
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