NVIDIA and AMD Adapt to US Chip Restrictions with New Offerings for China
NVIDIA and AMD are preparing to launch modified AI-focused GPUs in China to comply with US export restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology. According to supply chain sources cited by Taiwanese tech publication Digitimes, these new chips are designed to address the growing demand for AI workloads in the Chinese market.
NVIDIA's offering is reportedly a less powerful version of its AI GPU, codenamed "B20." AMD plans to target AI workloads with its new Radeon AI PRO R9700 workstation GPU. Both companies are expected to begin sales in China as early as July.
NVIDIA's Response to Export Controls
Recent reports suggest NVIDIA is developing a more affordable AI chip based on its Blackwell architecture specifically for the Chinese market. This new chip is estimated to be priced significantly lower than the company's H20 GPUs.
The US export restrictions have had a considerable impact on NVIDIA's financials. The company reported a substantial charge in Q1 2026 due to licensing requirements affecting H20 sales to China. Furthermore, NVIDIA forecasts a significant revenue hit in Q2 due to these ongoing restrictions.
These new chip offerings demonstrate how NVIDIA and AMD are adapting their strategies to navigate the complex landscape of US export controls while continuing to serve the Chinese market's demand for AI hardware.
