US Imposes 25% Tariff on Certain AI Chips Re-exported to China
The US has introduced a 25% tariff on advanced AI chips, including Nvidia's H200 and AMD's MI325X, when imported into the US for re-export to other countries like China. Nvidia expressed support, stating it allows competition for American jobs, while the tariffs do not affect chips for domestic US use.
Key points
- The US has imposed a 25% tariff on specific advanced AI semiconductors, including Nvidia H200 and AMD MI325X, when imported for re-export.
- This tariff applies to chips produced outside the US but passing through the country before export to international customers, such as those in China.
- The move follows the US Department of Commerce's December approval for Nvidia to ship H200 chips to vetted customers in China.
- Nvidia stated it applauds the decision, viewing it as a balance that allows US chip companies to compete and support American manufacturing.
- Chips intended for use within the US, for domestic products or data centers, are exempt from this new tariff.
The United States has enacted a 25% tariff on certain high-end artificial intelligence chips, including those from Nvidia and AMD, when they are imported into the US with the intention of being re-exported to other nations.
Specifically named in the proclamation are Nvidia's H200 advanced AI chips and AMD's MI325X. This measure affects semiconductors manufactured abroad that pass through the US before being shipped to international customers. The tariffs do not apply to chips imported for use within the United States, such as for domestic data centers or products intended for the US market.
Nvidia has publicly supported the tariff, framing it as a way to allow American chip companies to compete and foster domestic jobs and manufacturing. The company stated that the approved sales of H200 chips to vetted customers in China, which commenced in December, strike a "thoughtful balance." This policy appears to formalize previous regulatory approvals, allowing for the sale of these specific chips under the new tariff structure.
Sources
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