White House Blocks Nvidia from Selling New AI Chips to China Amid Ongoing Tech Restrictions

The White House has reportedly barred Nvidia from selling its latest artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China, intensifying U.S. restrictions on the export of advanced computing technology. According to The Information, which cited three sources familiar with the matter, the Biden administration has informed federal agencies that Nvidia’s new scaled-down chip, known as the B30A, cannot be sold to Chinese customers.

Despite the ban, Nvidia has already distributed samples of the B30A to several companies in China. The chip is designed to power high-performance computing and can train large language models (LLMs) when configured in large-scale clusters—technology that is crucial for many Chinese AI firms striving to compete globally.

The U.S. government’s decision is part of a broader strategy to curb China’s access to advanced semiconductor technologies that could enhance its AI and military capabilities. Washington has previously imposed multiple rounds of restrictions on Nvidia and other chipmakers to limit the transfer of cutting-edge processors that can accelerate AI development.

In response, Nvidia is reportedly working to redesign the B30A chip to comply with U.S. export regulations. Two Nvidia employees told The Information that the company hopes the modifications will persuade the administration to ease its stance.

A spokesperson for Nvidia told Reuters that the company currently has “zero share in China’s highly competitive market for datacenter compute” and does not include China in its business guidance. The White House has not yet commented on the report.

The move underscores the growing tensions between the U.S. and China over AI and semiconductor technologies, with Washington aiming to maintain its leadership in the global AI race while limiting China’s access to advanced computing power.