U.S. Clears Nvidia H200 Sales to China Under Tight Controls

Overview

• The Trump administration formally authorized exports of Nvidia's H200 to China with conditions designed to limit military use and manage supply.
• Rules require independent lab testing of each unit, a ban on military applications, and documented security procedures by Chinese buyers.
• Nvidia must certify adequate U.S. availability before shipments, and China cannot receive more than 50% of the number of chips sold to U.S. customers.
• A company spokesperson said Nvidia is not requiring advance payment for H200 orders, countering earlier Reuters reporting of unusually strict terms.
• Observers raised doubts about practical enforcement of the new restrictions and whether Beijing will allow domestic sales, as the policy follows Trump's prior announcement of a 25% government fee on such exports.