Chinese computing projects valued at over $3.2 billion rely on restricted NVIDIA silicon despite expanding American export bans. A review by Reuters of over 150 public procurement files shows regional computing centers and state backed entities attempting to secure H100, H200, and H800 processors. The departure of founder Jensen Huang as chief executive has prompted American lawmakers to demand tighter export enforcement.
Reuters examined over 150 procurement announcements, tender documents, construction contracts, and corporate filings across the mainland. The total capital committed to projects involving restricted NVIDIA hardware exceeds 23 billion yuan. This total covers entire facilities, power networks, and server installations, meaning not all funds go directly toward purchasing chips. The building initiatives extend from coastal tech centers into western regions. In Gansu province, a converted commercial site planned the installation of thousands of processors, though physical delivery of the equipment remains unconfirmed.
NVIDIA stated previously that American export controls reduced its Chinese data center computing market share from 95% down to zero, leading the firm to exclude that regional revenue from forward projections. Tracking data from IDC presents a different reality, showing NVIDIA accounted for roughly 34% of Chinese AI accelerator shipments during the first half of the year. This indicates sustained demand for NVIDIA architecture despite direct shipping prohibitions. American export curbs started with advanced computing parts and later expanded to modified hardware like the H800, alongside a case by case licensing system for specific H200 buyers.
The departure of Jensen Huang removes a prominent industry figure who consistently lobbied Washington against strict trade barriers. Analysts point out that his absence weakens the political positioning of the chipmaker, complicating access to advanced processing power for Chinese firms. Sunny Cheung, an analyst at the Jamestown Foundation, stated that American regulators must track actual end users rather than focusing only on initial purchasers.
NVIDIA recently addressed separate internal inquiries regarding Huang and personal ties to Chinese businesswoman Le Huang. An independent board review found zero evidence of compromised trade secrets or national security breaches. Reuters reported that the 23 billion yuan in infrastructure projects identified in public records remains completely separate from those personal inquiries.
