Despite Restrictions, Nvidia Chips Are Still Reaching China: WSJ

Nvidia Corp NVDA is facing scrutiny as reports emerge of its advanced AI chips being smuggled into China despite U.S. export restrictions.

The underground market, driven by strong demand for these powerful chips, highlights the ongoing tech rivalry between the U.S. and China.

More than 70 distributors are openly advertising what they claim to be Nvidia’s restricted chips online, with many verified sellers confirming steady supplies, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Many sellers take preorders and promise delivery within weeks, indicating a robust supply chain.

Some even offer entire servers equipped with high-end Nvidia chips, costing up to $300,000. This network caters primarily to AI startups and research institutions in China, the WSJ report added.

Nvidia does not sell its powerful data center chips directly to customers but through third parties like Dell Technologies Inc DELL and Super Micro Computer Inc SMCI.

Resellers in China typically ask $32,400 for Nvidia’s H100 chip, significantly higher than the typical cost, the WSJ report claims.

An estimate suggests about 12,500 AI chips are smuggled annually, while Nvidia sold over 2.6 million A100 and H100 chips globally last year.

Prior reports indicated the U.S. government plans to extend its semiconductor technology embargo to Russia, following similar restrictions on China and the Middle East.

This decision stems from concerns that increased trade between China and Russia is helping Moscow bolster its military capabilities.

Previous sanctions on China led semiconductor companies to produce less effective chips to adhere to the restrictions.

China’s leading chip manufacturer, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp, is reportedly increasing its chip production using domestic tools.

Earlier reports highlighted Tencent Holding Ltd’s TCEHY efforts to develop AI chips, aiming to capture part of Nvidia’s dominant market share, which accounts for up to 90% of China’s $7 billion AI chip market.

Nvidia stock gained over 189% in the last 12 months as U.S. Big Techs splurge on their AI ambitions. Investors can gain exposure to Nvidia through Vanguard Information Tech ETF VGT and iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF IVW.

Price Action: NVDA shares traded lower by 0.70% at $121.81 premarket at the last check on Wednesday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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