Nvidia, AMD to Pay U.S. for China Chip Access

Nvidia and AMD have agreed to share 15% of revenues from certain chip sales in China with the U.S. government, in exchange for export licenses for Nvidia’s H20 and AMD’s MI308 chips, according to the Financial Times. The unprecedented deal reflects the White House’s strategic use of trade exceptions amid ongoing tariff pressures. President Trump’s recent threat to impose a 100% tariff on imported semiconductors unless companies “build in the United States” adds urgency to such arrangements. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with Trump last week, the FT said. In a statement, Nvidia noted: “We follow rules the U.S. government sets for our participation in worldwide markets.” The move underscores Washington’s evolving approach to tech exports and its balancing act between national security and economic interests.