Oct 18, 2023 13:00:00

The US tightens restrictions on AI chip exports to China, making it difficult to export NVIDIA chips

The United States has

restricted exports to China of high-performance chips needed to develop AI-related applications. On October 17, 2023, the U.S. government announced tightening of export restrictions, and it became clear that NVIDIA chips and other products that had been able to be exported to China would be affected.

Advanced Computing and Semiconductor Manufacturing Items Controls to PRC
https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/advanced-computing-and-semiconductor-manufacturing-items-controls-to-prc

US bans export of more AI chips, including Nvidia H800, to China
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/17/us-bans-export-of-more-ai-chips-including-nvidia-h800-to-china.html

The United States recognizes China's AI development as a military threat, and in 2022 began restricting the export of high-performance chips that exceed a certain level of performance to China. However, semiconductor companies have avoided export restrictions by developing ``versions of existing high-performance chips that keep the performance within limits,'' and NVIDIA has released a high-performance chip ``A800'' that avoids restrictions for China. In addition to being revealed to be in production, it has also been reported that Intel has developed an AI chip 'Habana Gaudi 2' for China.

It is revealed that NVIDIA is producing a new chip ``A800'' in China that can avoid export restrictions - GIGAZINE

Meanwhile, the US government announced on October 17, 2023 that it will strengthen restrictions on AI chip exports to China and introduce new performance thresholds. Commerce Secretary Gina Lemond said of the reason for the tightened restrictions: ``The increased export restrictions were specifically designed to limit (China's) access to computing power. It has the potential to be used in various fields, potentially threatening the United States and its allies.'

According to documents submitted by NVIDIA to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 2023, the 'A100,' 'A800,' 'H100,' 'H800,' 'L40,' 'L40S,' and 'RTX 4090' manufactured by the company will be subject to stricter regulations. will be newly affected. However, NVIDIA said, ``Given the high global demand for our products, we do not believe the increased restrictions will have a material impact on our short-term financial condition.''

In addition, Mr. Lemond said, ``In fact, even after tightening regulations, China will continue to import hundreds of billions of dollars (tens of trillions of yen) worth of semiconductors from the United States,'' stating that the restrictions are limited. I admit that.