Nvidia expects $5.5bn hit as US tightens chip export rules to China

Nvidia has announced it expects a $5.5 billion financial impact after new US government export restrictions barred it from selling its advanced H20 AI chips to China without a license.

US-based microchip giant Nvidia warned on Tuesday that tightened export regulations will cost the company $5.5 billion as it halts sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips to China and Hong Kong. The company confirmed that the US government informed it last week that new rules would require an export licence for the H20, one of its most sought-after chips in the Chinese market.

The move comes amid rising trade tensions between the US and China, as both nations impose steep tariffs and tighten restrictions across strategic industries, particularly in semiconductors and AI.

Following the announcement, Nvidia’s shares plunged nearly 6% in after-hours trading. The company said the license requirement is indefinite and is aimed at addressing national security risks, particularly the potential use of the chips in Chinese supercomputers.

“This is certainly a lot of money, but it’s something Nvidia can bear,” said Marc Einstein of Counterpoint Research, adding that the situation may still shift. “I wouldn't be surprised to see some exemptions or changes made to tariff policy in the near future.”

Founded in 1993, Nvidia initially gained prominence for producing graphics chips for gaming. In recent years, it has emerged as a leading force in AI, with its chips powering machine learning models and data centers globally. The H20 chip is a centerpiece of Nvidia's strategy in the AI boom, particularly in Asia.

The $5.5 billion charge includes costs related to existing inventories, purchase commitments, and reserves for the restricted products. Nvidia did not comment further when approached by the BBC.

Rui Ma, founder of the Tech Buzz China podcast, said that continued restrictions could lead to a full decoupling of US and Chinese AI chip supply chains. “It doesn’t make any sense for any Chinese customer to be dependent on US chips,” she said, noting that China is already facing an oversupply of data centers.

The Biden administration’s move to curb technology exports is part of a broader push—also endorsed by President Donald Trump—to maintain US dominance in advanced tech sectors amid China’s growing capabilities.

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