U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips will be reserved exclusively for U.S. companies, effectively blocking exports to China and other foreign markets.
In an interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes” aired Sunday, Trump said, “The most advanced, we will not let anybody have them other than the United States. We don’t give the Blackwell chip to other people.”
The statement signals possible tighter export restrictions on high-end U.S. semiconductors than previously indicated by his administration. It could also upend existing plans for Nvidia’s Blackwell chips, which the company recently agreed to supply to major South Korean firms including Samsung Electronics.
Trump clarified that while U.S. allies may access certain AI technologies, China will not be permitted to buy the most sophisticated chips, though scaled-down versions might still be allowed.
The remarks drew praise from China hawks in Congress, with Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, warning that any relaxation would be “akin to giving Iran weapons-grade uranium.”
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the company has not sought export licenses for China, citing Beijing’s restrictive stance. “They’ve made it very clear they don’t want Nvidia to be there right now,” Huang said last week.
The announcement adds fresh uncertainty to the global AI supply chain, as Washington seeks to maintain its technological lead while preventing Beijing’s access to cutting-edge semiconductors.
