TLDR
- Trump announced that Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell AI chips will remain exclusive to the United States.
- The President stated the U.S. will not give the Blackwell chip to other people during his CBS 60 Minutes interview.
- China may be allowed to access a less capable version of the chip, but not the most advanced variant.
- Republican Congressman John Moolenaar compared allowing scaled-down chips to China to giving weapons-grade uranium to Iran.
- Nvidia has not requested U.S. export licenses for selling chips to China, according to recent reports.
President Donald Trump announced the United States will restrict Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell AI chips from leaving the country. The decision targets China and other nations seeking access to cutting-edge semiconductor technology. Trump made the statement during a CBS 60 Minutes interview and again while speaking to reporters on Air Force One.
U.S. Tightens Control Over Advanced Semiconductors
Trump declared the strongest version of the Blackwell chip will remain exclusive to American use.
“The most advanced, we will not let anybody have them other than the United States,” he said.
He added that the U.S. would not give the Blackwell chip to other people.
The move represents a stricter approach to regulating the export of high-end AI technology. Officials had not previously suggested such comprehensive restrictions on the chips. The policy effectively blocks China and other countries from accessing the highest-performing semiconductors available.
These chips play a central role in training robust artificial intelligence systems. They also raise national security concerns for U.S. officials. The announcement follows the introduction of a new AI blueprint by the Trump administration in July.
That blueprint aimed to maintain American leadership in AI development over China. The plan included expanding AI exports to U.S. allies and reducing environmental regulations. It also focused on speeding up production of critical technology components.
Debate Over Limited Access for China
Discussions had emerged since August about whether China could access a stripped-down version of Blackwell. Trump addressed this question directly during his interviews. He confirmed he would disapprove the most advanced Blackwell chips for Chinese companies.
However, Trump suggested China might access a less capable version of the chip.
“We will let them deal with Nvidia, but not in terms of the most advanced,” he stated.
The performance difference between versions determines their capability to drive next-generation AI development.
China policy critics in Washington strongly opposed allowing any chip version to reach China. Republican Congressman John Moolenaar chairs the House Select Committee on China. He compared the idea to giving weapons-grade uranium to Iran.
Critics argue that even scaled-down chip access could accelerate China’s military expansion. They also worry it could boost Chinese AI development capabilities. These concerns reflect broader tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology leadership.
Trump mentioned he might discuss the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders met at a summit in South Korea recently. Trump later confirmed the topic did not come up during their conversations.
Nvidia’s Position and South Korea Deal
Nvidia has not requested U.S. export licenses for selling chips to China. Jensen Huang serves as Nvidia’s CEO and has commented on China’s stance.
“They’ve made it very clear that they don’t want Nvidia to be there right now,” Huang said.
Huang noted that Nvidia still needs revenue from China for its operations. The company relies on Chinese markets to support research and development in the United States. The restrictions create a complex situation for Nvidia’s global business strategy.
Meanwhile, South Korea will receive a large shipment of Nvidia’s Blackwell chips. The company announced it will provide over 260,000 Blackwell chips to South Korean firms. Samsung Electronics stands among the recipients of this major delivery.
The announcement followed Huang’s visit to Seoul for business meetings. He met with Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee and other industry leaders. The visit generated positive market reactions and investor enthusiasm.
The Kospi Index had surged 20% in October before Huang’s arrival. It represented the most substantial monthly rally since 2001 for the index. The index climbed again in early November, reaching record highs.
Investors increased their holdings in companies connected to Nvidia’s supply chain. SK Hynix shares rose as much as 10% following positive analyst reports. Han Dong-Hee at SK Securities more than doubled his price target for the company.
Han stated the sector needs new evaluation methods for chipmakers.
“With a new paradigm, we need a new multiple,” he wrote in his analysis.
The rally also benefited HD Hyundai Electric and companies in the robotics sector.
Self-driving technology firms also gained from expectations of wider AI development. The South Korean deal demonstrates continued U.S. support for allied nations. It contrasts sharply with the restrictions placed on China and other countries.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
