Nvidia Plans to Resume AI Chip Shipments to China as H200 Deliveries Near Mid‑February Window

Nvidia chip shipments to China: H200 deliveries reportedly planned again​

Nvidia is preparing to resume shipments of advanced AI chips to China, with new reports indicating the company aims to begin sending H200 chips to Chinese customers ahead of the Lunar New Year period (mid‑February). The shipments are not guaranteed, as export approvals and policy decisions on both sides can still affect timing and volume.​

What’s new (latest update)​

According to sources cited by Reuters, Nvidia has told customers in China it is targeting initial H200 shipments before mid‑February. The report suggests the first wave may come from existing stock and could involve about 5,000–10,000 “chip modules,” roughly equal to around 40,000–80,000 H200 chips.​

Why Nvidia shipments to China became complicated in 2025​

U.S. export controls focused on limiting China’s access to advanced AI compute have repeatedly changed the rules for what can be shipped and under what licensing conditions. In April 2025, Nvidia said it would record about a $5.5 billion charge tied to H20 processors because restrictions disrupted its ability to deliver or fulfill orders as planned.​

Earlier sign: H20 sales were set to restart​

In July 2025, Nvidia said it would restart sales of the H20 AI chip to China after receiving U.S. assurances that export licenses would be approved. That announcement signaled a partial reopening of shipments for certain China‑oriented products, even while broader restrictions remained in effect.​

Policy watch: U.S. review adds uncertainty​

Reports also say the U.S. launched a review of advanced Nvidia AI chip sales to China, which could influence how quickly shipments proceed and what conditions apply. Reuters’ reporting describes a potential framework where H200 sales may be allowed under a 25% fee/tariff mechanism, but the situation remains fluid.

​FAQ

1. Is Nvidia shipping H200 chips to China right now?
   Reports say Nvidia aims to begin H200 shipments before mid‑February, but it depends on approvals and nothing is guaranteed.​

2. How many H200 chips could be involved?
   The Reuters-cited estimates mention 5,000–10,000 “chip modules,” roughly equal to 40,000–80,000 H200 chips.​

3. Why were shipments blocked earlier?
   U.S. export rules required licenses for certain advanced AI chips, and Nvidia said those restrictions contributed to a $5.5B charge tied to H20 processors.​

4. What happened with the H20 chip?
   Nvidia said it planned to restart H20 sales/deliveries to China after receiving U.S. assurances that licenses would be approved.​

5. What could happen next?
   A U.S. review of advanced chip sales to China adds uncertainty, and shipment timing could change based on government decisions.​