U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Nvidia’s most advanced artificial intelligence chips known as Blackwell will be reserved exclusively for U.S. companies. Speaking on CBS’ “60 Minutes” and aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We will not let anybody have them other than the United States.”
This declaration signals a hard turn in U.S. tech policy, potentially going beyond previous export controls designed to curb China’s access to high-end AI semiconductors.
Why It Matters
The decision could reshape the global AI race. Nvidia’s Blackwell chips are the backbone of next-generation AI systems, from large language models to autonomous weapons. By blocking access to China and possibly even U.S. allies Washington is seeking to maintain a decisive technological lead.
However, the move could also strain trade ties, disrupt supply chains, and challenge U.S. allies like South Korea and Japan who rely on American chips for innovation and competitiveness.
China Hawks in Washington: Applauded the move. Rep. John Moolenaar compared allowing China access to the chips to “giving Iran weapons-grade uranium.”
China: Beijing has remained publicly quiet, though the move will likely be seen as another escalation in the U.S.-China tech war.
Nvidia: CEO Jensen Huang said the company has not sought export licenses for China, citing Beijing’s current unwillingness to engage with Nvidia. However, Huang warned that global restrictions could hurt U.S.-based R&D funding.
Allies: The statement comes just days after Nvidia announced plans to supply over 260,000 Blackwell chips to South Korea’s Samsung and other tech giants now casting doubt over whether those deals will proceed.
What’s Next
The Trump administration may soon issue new export rules formalizing these restrictions. Analysts expect a clearer framework distinguishing between “advanced” and “scaled-down” versions of Nvidia’s chips, determining what if anything can be sold abroad.
The decision also raises the stakes ahead of Trump’s next expected talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with AI dominance likely to top the agenda in future U.S.-China negotiations.
With information from Reuters.