The United States has approved the export of Nvidia’s powerful H200 artificial-intelligence chips to selected Chinese customers, marking a major shift in Washington’s technology-control policy while imposing a 25 percent levy on all such sales.
President Donald Trump confirmed the move on Monday, announcing that he had already informed Chinese President Xi Jinping of the decision. According to him, Beijing responded “positively” to the arrangement.
“I have informed President Xi… that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China and other countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong national security,” Trump said on his platform, Truth Social. “President Xi responded positively! 25% will be paid to the United States of America.”
The approval reopens a lucrative market for Nvidia, whose Chinese business was hit hard after previous export restrictions blocked access to advanced AI chips. The Department of Commerce will screen all buyers before any shipment, maintaining what U.S. officials describe as a “controlled opening” designed to protect sensitive technologies.
Nvidia welcomed the decision, saying in a statement that the agreement “strikes a thoughtful balance that is great for America,” noting that it preserves “high-paying jobs and advanced manufacturing” while keeping the U.S. competitive in global AI markets.
The move represents a sharp reversal from earlier bans on AI-chip exports to China, which Washington justified on national-security grounds. Critics warn the renewed access could accelerate China’s military and technological capabilities, while supporters argue the new 25 percent fee ensures the U.S. retains both economic and strategic leverage.
The approval applies only to the H200 line of processors. Washington has kept restrictions in place on Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell and upcoming Rubin chips, which remain off-limits to Chinese buyers.
