China Blocks Nvidia H200 Chip Shipments, Suppliers Halt Production Amid Trade Tensions

Suppliers of parts for Nvidia's H200 AI chip have paused production after Chinese customs officials blocked shipments of the processors into China. Despite US approval for sales last December, Chinese authorities reportedly warned domestic firms against purchasing the chips, though no official reason or duration for the restriction has been given. Nvidia had anticipated over one million orders from Chinese clients, with shipments planned as early as March. The move reflects ongoing tensions in US-China relations, with uncertainty over whether the block is temporary or a strategic measure.