AMD Secures MI308 AI Chip Export License for China
AMD has received approval for the export of Instinct MI308 AI chips to China. AMD announced during its Q3 earnings call that the company had received an export license for its Instinct MI308 AI chips, specifically positioned as an NVIDIA H20 killer in the Chinese market. This opens AMD up for an afterburner in advance of NVIDIA, which, at this time, is facing delays in getting similar licenses.
A Possible Advantage in the Chinese AI Market
As far as the export of AI chips for China is concerned, Nvidia's situation is deadlocked, while AMD is far ahead. It seems that Nvidia has faced delays in getting approval for the H20's export licenses and is reported to be getting a hostile reception from Chinese authorities regarding its tech stack. Accordingly, Nvidia's approval for MI308 grants AMD narrow but strategic advantage for the near term.
CEO Confirms License, Remains Cautious
During Q3's earnings call, AMD CEO Lisa Su confirmed that "the company has received some licenses for MI308." However, she also elaborated on the "dynamic situation" that led AMD to exclude any revenue from MI308 sales from its Q4 financial guidance. It appears the company is still weighing customer demand and general market opportunity in China.
MI308 Specs and Market Uncertainty
The MI308 has not been confirmed for its official specifications. Expectations are that specifications will follow that of the NVIDIA H20 accelerators for U.S. export control compliance. The given license approval notwithstanding, a lot remains uncertain, for as Beijing fortifies its bid for domestic AI solutions, the pressure will build on AMD and NVIDIA's tough operating environment with no major breakthrough expected anytime soon.
