Why Trump Has Barred China from Nvidia’s Blackwell AI Chips

President Trump has imposed restrictions on Nvidia’s Blackwell AI chips, limiting their availability to US companies only and blocking China from access. This move intensifies the global race for dominance in artificial intelligence by controlling key semiconductor technology behind machine learning systems.

US AI Chip Policy Shift

The US government, under President Trump, will reserve the most advanced Blackwell AI chips exclusively for domestic customers. In a recorded interview on CBS's 60 Minutes and during remarks aboard Air Force One, the president stated:

“The most advanced, we will not let anybody have them other than the United States.”
“We don’t give [the Blackwell] chip to other people.”

This policy effectively blocks China and possibly other nations from acquiring these top-tier semiconductors, marking a significant policy shift from previous administration guidance.

Implications for Global AI Markets

The restriction raises uncertainties about existing Nvidia deals, particularly with South Korea. Nvidia had planned to supply over 260,000 Blackwell AI chips to South Korean firms, including major companies like Samsung Electronics, which are set to receive these advanced semiconductors.

Key Points:

The US is limiting Nvidia’s Blackwell AI chips to domestic firms only.
China is explicitly barred from accessing these high-end semiconductors.
Existing deals with countries like South Korea are uncertain due to the new policy.
The decision reflects growing tensions and competition in AI technology globally.

This move illustrates the escalating geopolitical struggle over AI hardware, highlighting how technological leadership is becoming a central national security concern.

Author's summary: President Trump’s new ban on Nvidia’s Blackwell AI chips restricts their use to US companies, excluding China and complicating international AI tech relations.

AI Magazine — 2025-11-04