In a significant turn of events for the semiconductor industry, Nvidia has announced its plan to resume sales of its H20 GPU chips to China, while simultaneously launching a new mainland-compliant model to meet tightened export controls. This Nvidia news comes at a pivotal time as geopolitical tensions between the United States and China continue to shape the global technology landscape.
Nvidia, now the world’s most valuable chipmaker, confirmed in a recent statement that it has filed applications with the U.S. government to restart sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chip to the Chinese market. According to Nvidia news, the company expects to receive licenses shortly and plans to commence deliveries soon after approval.
The H20 GPU, developed specifically for the Chinese market, had previously been Nvidia’s most advanced AI product legally available in China. However, tighter U.S. export restrictions aimed at safeguarding national security led to its ban in April 2024. This sudden halt forced Nvidia to write off an estimated $5.5 billion in unsold inventories and abandon potential sales worth $15 billion, according to CEO Jensen Huang.
The latest Nvidia news reveals that Huang will personally visit Beijing this week for a supply chain expo and is expected to elaborate on the company’s renewed strategy for the Chinese market. This will be Huang’s second visit to China this year, underscoring the importance of the region to Nvidia’s growth ambitions.
Easing Tensions Bring Renewed Opportunity
The resumption of the H20 GPU sales aligns with signs of easing tensions between Washington and Beijing. China has recently relaxed its rare earth export controls, while the United States has permitted certain chip design software services to resume in China. This thaw in relations offers Nvidia a lifeline to re-establish its foothold in the world’s largest semiconductor market.
In addition to reviving the H20 GPU, the latest Nvidia news highlights the launch of a brand-new AI chip designed exclusively for China: the RTX Pro GPU. This new model is crafted to be fully compliant with stringent U.S. export restrictions. Nvidia describes the RTX Pro as suitable for powering digital twin AI applications in industries like smart factories and logistics — sectors that are rapidly expanding across China.
A More Affordable Option for China
Industry insiders revealed that the RTX Pro will be based on the RTX Pro 6000D, but at a more accessible price point compared to the H20 GPU. While its specifications are slightly less powerful than the H20’s, the RTX Pro offers Chinese tech firms a legal and cost-effective alternative to keep their AI initiatives on track.
This Nvidia news marks a crucial step in the chip giant’s broader strategy to balance regulatory compliance with its ambition to maintain a strong presence in China’s lucrative AI market. The move also reflects Nvidia’s adaptability as it navigates the delicate intersection of business growth and geopolitical challenges.
Nvidia’s Global AI Vision
Beyond China, Nvidia continues to lead the global AI chip race. The company’s new Blackwell-architecture AI processors are setting fresh benchmarks in performance and energy efficiency. CEO Jensen Huang has been actively engaging with both U.S. and Chinese policymakers, advocating for open-source AI research and international collaboration — a message he is likely to reinforce during his upcoming Beijing visit.
As the situation unfolds, this Nvidia news will be closely watched by industry analysts, investors, and policymakers alike. With AI emerging as a critical pillar of global economic and technological competition, Nvidia’s ability to navigate complex export controls while meeting soaring demand for advanced chips could shape the future of the sector.