Expect significant new tariffs on Chinese imports and moderate levies on goods from other nations , as President-elect Donald Trump rolls out his protectionist agenda. However, with his preference for chaotic policymaking and sudden shifts , there’s uncertainty on how soon these import taxes will actually hit. Dubbed “ Tariff Man ,” Trump aims to use tariffs both strategically and tactically . He’s mentioned taxing all Chinese goods up to 60% and potentially setting 10%-20% tariffs on imports globally , but details on these plans remain vague . Key players within Trump’s team are divided: Robert Lighthizer , a staunch tariff advocate, sees permanent duties as crucial to balance US trade , while others, like billionaires John Paulson and Scott Bessent , view tariffs as temporary leverage. Trump’s previous administration had mixed feelings, especially on national security-related trade limits , which he sometimes dismissed, favoring an “open for business” approach. High-profile busin
Beijing is intensifying its push for Chinese companies to prioritize locally produced AI chips over Nvidia Corp's products, as part of an ongoing effort to bolster the country's semiconductor industry and reduce reliance on foreign technology amid US sanctions.
Chinese regulators have been quietly guiding firms away from purchasing Nvidia’s H20 chips, widely used in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) models. While not an outright ban, this strategy aims to help domestic AI chipmakers like Cambricon Technologies Corp and Huawei Technologies Co gain market share, while also preparing local companies for potential additional US restrictions, according to people familiar with the matter.
The move comes after the US government banned Nvidia from selling its most advanced AI processors to China in 2022, prompting Nvidia to modify its chips to comply with US export regulations. Despite this, Nvidia’s shares fell by 3.9% on Friday following the news of China's guidance.
Chinese regulators, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, have issued informal instructions—known as window guidance—to encourage companies to source from local vendors like Huawei and Cambricon. However, China’s officials are also prioritizing technological advancement, and if companies need to buy foreign semiconductors to build superior AI systems, they will still tolerate such purchases.
Nvidia has seen substantial sales growth globally, especially in the AI space, despite trade restrictions impacting its revenue from China, which accounted for 12% of its revenue in the July quarter—around US$3.7 billion. The company’s CEO, Jensen Huang, emphasized his commitment to serving Chinese customers while complying with US government restrictions, saying, “We will do our best to support them.”
Meanwhile, China's AI sector continues to grow, with major players like ByteDance and Alibaba heavily investing, and several startups developing AI models to rival international competitors. Despite government pressure, some Chinese companies are still rushing to stockpile Nvidia chips ahead of anticipated US sanctions, while also procuring Huawei chips to align with Beijing’s goals.
The competition between Nvidia and Chinese chipmakers highlights the broader global AI race and the technological divide deepening due to geopolitical tensions.
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