US technology export policies towards China have once again become a topic of discussion, particularly regarding Nvidia’s H20 accelerator. The company’s most powerful accelerator, based on the Hopper architecture and developed specifically for the Chinese market, the H20, was embargoed for national security reasons after being on sale in China for a period. During this period, Nvidia attempted to offer alternatives with Blackwell-based accelerators with reduced features, but continued its efforts for the H20.
Nvidia H20 accelerator may be sold in China
According to recent developments, there have been signals that flexibility may be granted regarding the sale of AI accelerators like the H20 during the ongoing tariff negotiations between the US and China. These developments were also publicly acknowledged by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The company has submitted a formal application to US authorities to relist the H20 accelerator. A positive response is expected shortly.
However, objections to the process have also begun to arise. John Moolenar, Chairman of the US House of Representatives Oversight Committee on the Communist Party of China, highlighted the impact of the Nvidia H20 on Chinese AI companies.
Moolenar stated that domestic AI engines like DeepSeek were directly developed through H20, and that this could undermine the US’s leadership in global AI technologies. It was also reported that a detailed explanation has been requested from the US Department of Commerce regarding the application.
If Nvidia’s application is approved, the H20 accelerator could re-enter the Chinese market. However, Moolenar’s decision makes the course of the process uncertain. It is unclear whether the committee chairman will directly influence the decision-making process. If he does, it could lead to a suspension or delay of the sales permit.
The company’s H20 accelerator was specifically designed for AI applications in the Chinese market and, while in use, contributed to the development of significant AI systems in the country.
The US is known to have increased oversight of such hardware as part of its technology embargo. The lifting of restrictions on H20 could signal a new era not only for Nvidia but also for the US’s technology transfer policies towards China.
