Export Restrictions

NVIDIA’s H20 AI chip, designed for the Chinese market, faced export restrictions but received conditional clearance in mid-July, requiring a 15% revenue remit to the U.S. government. Despite this, H20’s future in China is uncertain. NVIDIA defends its H20 exports, emphasizing the U.S.’s need to compete with China in AI and avoid repeating the 5G situation where it lost its leadership position. They believe U.S. AI can become the global standard if the U.S. actively participates in the competition.

Shortly after Nvidia’s H20 chip sale to China was approved, AMD confirmed it will resume exporting its MI308 chip to the Chinese market. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review AMD’s license application. These AI hardware export restrictions, imposed by both the Biden and Trump administrations, have negatively impacted AMD’s financials, with potential losses reaching $800 million. The policy shift allowing MI308 exports is a boost for AMD, reflected in a nearly 5% stock price surge. This decision marks a policy reversal, particularly from the previous Trump administration’s stance.

China has responded positively to the US easing certain export restrictions on EDA software, ethane, and aircraft engines. Beijing confirmed both nations are implementing outcomes from recent economic talks, with teams accelerating groundwork. China is processing export license applications in line with its laws. Beijing urged the US to recognize the mutually beneficial nature of their economic relationship and take constructive actions to ensure stable, long-term growth.

Siemens has lifted export restrictions on its chip design software to mainland China, resuming full services after recent US government directives. This follows earlier notifications for EDA software providers to halt services. The move impacts the global EDA market, dominated by US firms, while China continues to develop its domestic solutions.