By https://www.theguardian.com/profile/graemewearden
Publication Date: 2025-12-09 07:38:00
Introduction: Trump clears way for Nvidia to sell powerful AI chips to China
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.
Donald Trump has been accused of a “colossal economic and national security failure” for allowing Nvidia to export its H200 artificial intelligence chip to China.
The US president announced last night he has granted Nvidia permission to ship H200 chips to China in exchange for a 25% surcharge for the US, a move that could allow the world’s most valuable company to win back billions of dollars in lost business.
Trump posted on his Truth Social site:
“I have informed President Xi, of China, that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China, and other Countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security.
President Xi responded positively!”
The news lifted Nvidia’s shares by 2.3% in after hours trading on Wall Steet.
But it was swiftly criticised by some senior Democratic senators, including Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons — the top two Democrats on the Senate foreign relations committee — Jack Reed, the Democratic head of the Senate armed services committee, and Elizabeth Warren, the Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee.
They, and other Democratic senators, urged Trump to reverse the decision saying:
“The Trump administration’s announcement that it will allow the export of advanced H200 AI chips…
