25. February 2026
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China Has Not Yet Received Any Nvidia H200 AI Chips, U.S. Official Says
As of late February 2026, **none of Nvidia’s advanced H200 AI chips** — one of the company’s most powerful models — have been shipped to or received by Chinese customers, a top U.S. Commerce Department official told lawmakers at a congressional hearing. This comes despite a recent policy change that theoretically allows conditional sales of these chips to China.
Quick Insight: The H200 represents one of Nvidia’s leading AI accelerator products. Although U.S. export rules were eased to permit some sales to Chinese buyers, strict licensing requirements and export guardrails appear to have delayed actual deliveries.
What U.S. Officials Are Saying
David Peters, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the U.S. Commerce Department, confirmed at a House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting that **no H200 chips have been sold to Chinese customers** so far. He said this reflects the current export guardrails and review process rather than a lack of interest.
Export Rules and Debate
The U.S. administration under President Trump earlier eased some restrictions to allow H200 exports under strict conditions, aiming to counter the risk of China developing its own rival AI chip designs. However, critics in Washington have warned that allowing advanced chip exports could be diverted for non-commercial uses, including military applications.
Security Concerns and Enforcement
During the hearing, lawmakers also raised concerns about **chip smuggling** into China, referencing past reports that Chinese firms may have used restricted American chips in violation of export controls. U.S. officials said crackdowns on illegal transfers remain a high enforcement priority.
Final Thoughts
Although policy changes have theoretically reopened the door for advanced AI chip exports to China, actual deliveries of Nvidia’s H200 chips have yet to occur. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between commercial tech interests and national security concerns in the global semiconductor landscape.
Tip: When following global tech news, consider both the **policy side** (export controls and regulations) and the **industry side** (supply chains and market demand) — both shape how cutting‑edge technology moves across borders.
