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Nvidia Prepares Downgraded H20 AI Chip for China Following U.S. Export Restrictions

The modified chip, set for release by July, features reduced performance to meet U.S. compliance standards after the original H20 was effectively barred from Chinese sales.

Santa Clara, California, USA - March 29, 2018: exterior view of Nvidia's new headquarters in Silicon Valley. Nvidia Corporation is an American technology company.
Nvidia logo is seen in this illustration taken, January 27, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Overview

  • Nvidia plans to launch a downgraded version of its H20 AI chip for the Chinese market by July, according to sources familiar with the matter.
  • The U.S. Commerce Department informed Nvidia last month that the original H20 chip would require an export license, effectively blocking its sale in China.
  • The modified H20 chip will feature significant reductions in memory capacity and performance to align with U.S. export control thresholds.
  • China remains a critical market for Nvidia, contributing $17 billion in revenue last fiscal year and accounting for $18 billion in accumulated H20 orders.
  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited Beijing last month, emphasizing China's importance to the company's global strategy amid tightening U.S. export restrictions.