ByteDance and Alibaba have inquired about buying Nvidia’s powerful H200 AI chip after U.S. President Donald Trump announced it could be exported to China (10/12), sources told Reuters. The Chinese companies are ready to place large orders if Beijing approves, but they remain concerned about supply and are seeking clarity from Nvidia.

H200 Chip Far More Powerful Than Existing Options

Before Trump’s decision, the H20 was the most advanced AI chip that could legally be exported to China. The H200 is nearly six times more powerful than the H20, making it unmatched in its ability to train AI models.

Limited Supply and Possible Regulatory Review

Very limited quantities of H200 are currently being produced, as Nvidia has been focusing on its Blackwell and Rubin lines, according to sources familiar with the supply chain. Chinese authorities may review purchase requests and require companies to explain how they will use the chips.

Continued Interest Despite Domestic Alternatives

Chinese tech firms remain keen on the H200 because domestic AI chips are currently better suited for inference, not training. Elite universities, data centers, and entities linked to China’s military have also sought H200 chips through alternative channels. “The training of leading Chinese AI models still relies on Nvidia cards,” said Zhang Yuchun, general manager at SuperCloud’s solution and ecology units.

China’s foreign ministry has stated that the country values cooperation with the United States but declined further comment regarding the H200.

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This article was created with AI assistance.