Nvidia is currently assessing several new products, including a potentially groundbreaking AI chip designed for the Chinese market. The chip, tentatively named B30A, is rumored to leverage Nvidia’s cutting-edge Blackwell architecture and surpass the capabilities of the existing H20 chip, specifically engineered for China following the implementation of US export controls on advanced AI chips. The company aims to provide sample units to Chinese clients for testing as soon as next month, indicating an aggressive timeline for product rollout.
In a statement to CNBC, Nvidia clarified that it routinely evaluates various products as part of its strategic planning, ensuring preparedness to compete within the parameters set by governments. The company explicitly stated that all its offerings are approved by relevant authorities and intended solely for legitimate commercial applications. This commitment to regulatory compliance underscores the sensitive geopolitical context surrounding the sale of advanced technology to China.
The development comes amidst ongoing negotiations between Nvidia and the US government. Earlier this month, Nvidia and AMD agreed to a 15% revenue-sharing agreement with the US government on China sales, a compromise following restrictions on the export of advanced chips imposed by the Biden administration and initially stricter measures considered during the Trump administration. Former President Trump recently revealed that he had initially requested a 20% cut from Nvidia but settled for 15% after negotiations. He also hinted at potential flexibility regarding a significantly less powerful version of the Blackwell chip for the Chinese market.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed support for Nvidia’s actions, suggesting that CEO Jensen Huang regularly engages with the President on such matters, highlighting the high-level engagement involved in navigating these complex technological and political trade-offs. The launch of the B30A, if successful, would represent a significant development in the ongoing struggle to balance technological advancement with national security concerns in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology.
