In a move shaking up global tech trade, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that Nvidia’s advanced H200 AI chips will now be exportable to the Chinese mainland—with a catch: a 25% fee on all sales. The decision, revealed during a press briefing, marks a shift in cross-Pacific tech dynamics as 2025 winds down.
💡 Why it matters: The H200 processors are crucial for AI development, used in everything from smart cities to quantum computing research. While U.S. companies gain new revenue streams, analysts warn the fee could push Chinese firms to accelerate domestic chip production.
📈 Market watch: Nvidia shares surged 8% post-announcement, while Chinese tech giants like Huawei and Alibaba saw mixed reactions. “This is like unlocking premium DLC for the AI arms race,” said tech analyst Lisa Chen, referencing gaming culture. “But that 25% tax? That’s the microtransaction nobody wanted.”
🌍 Global ripple effect: The decision comes as APEC members prepare for January’s AI Governance Summit in Singapore. How will this impact cross-strait tech collaborations? Stay tuned as we track this developing story.
