China Licenses Nvidia H200 AI Chips, CEO Predicts Market Opening Over Time
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says China has licensed H200 AI chips for sale but is protecting its local market, and no Chinese firms have yet placed orders as Beijing advances domestic chip development. He expects the market to open 'over time' after a December Trump-Xi deal to ease H200 restrictions.
1. Licensing and Local Market Protection
Jensen Huang confirmed that China has obtained licenses to import Nvidia’s H200 AI chips but is deliberately limiting purchases to shield its domestic industry. Despite licensing approval, no Chinese technology companies have placed orders, reflecting Beijing’s push to accelerate local chip development and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
2. Outlook After Trump-Xi Agreement
Huang anticipates that China’s AI chip market will progressively open following a December agreement between President Trump and President Xi to relax H200 export controls. He noted that Nvidia’s top-tier Blackwell and forthcoming Rubin series remain barred, underscoring that broader access hinges on future policy shifts.