Trump recalibrates AI exports: China in focus, Gulf already receiving chips

"The United States appears to be rapidly rethinking its AI export policy. While Washington this week gave final approval for the delivery of tens of thousands of Nvidia chips to state-backed companies in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the Trump administration is investigating whether China can gain access to powerful AI hardware. This creates a striking double standard. Partner countries in the Gulf are already getting the green light, while the world's biggest geopolitical rival may follow,"

"According to sources close to the Department of Commerce, consideration is being given to allowing Nvidia to resume sales to Chinese customers, specifically of the H200 chip, which has been subject to export restrictions until now. This is reported by Reuters. The department is reportedly analyzing the policy change, though no decision has been made yet. Any approval would represent a significant break with the strict measures introduced under Biden to prevent China's access to AI technology."

"At the same time, President Donald Trump continues to publicly maintain a hard line. On this month's CBS program 60 Minutes, he said that Nvidia's latest Blackwell chips will remain exclusively available to American companies. Under no circumstances should China receive this top-of-the-line generation, according to Trump. Beijing may be allowed to purchase lighter variants, but the most modern AI hardware will remain strictly reserved for the domestic industry, he said."

The United States is reconsidering AI export policy, approving tens of thousands of Nvidia chips for state-backed firms in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Department of Commerce sources say consideration is underway to allow Nvidia to resume H200 sales to Chinese customers, with no final decision yet. Any approval would depart from Biden-era restrictions intended to block China's access to advanced AI hardware. President Trump insists top-tier Blackwell chips remain restricted to American firms while lighter variants could be sold abroad. Congressional critics warn limited H200 exports could bolster China's military and technological ambitions. Nvidia says Chinese market access is essential to sustain research and development.

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