The US Imposes 25% Tariff on Nvidia’s H200 AI Chips Headed to China
The U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on Nvidia H200 AI chips shipped to China—impacting trade, tech, and global AI competition in 2026.
Matilda
The US Imposes 25% Tariff on Nvidia’s H200 AI Chips Headed to China
Nvidia H200 AI Chips Face 25% U.S. Tariff En Route to China In a move that reshapes the global AI hardware landscape, the United States has imposed a 25% tariff on advanced AI semiconductors—including Nvidia’s powerful H200 chips—destined for China. Announced on January 15, 2026, the policy targets chips manufactured outside the U.S. but routed through American territory before export. This decision formalizes a strategic compromise: allowing limited sales to vetted Chinese customers while asserting tighter control over sensitive technology flows. Credit: Li Hongbo/VCG / Getty Images The tariff applies specifically to high-performance AI accelerators like the Nvidia H200 and AMD’s MI325X, both designed for next-generation data centers and large-scale AI training. While the measure adds cost and complexity, it also signals a calibrated shift in U.S. export policy—one that balances national security concerns with economic opportunity. Why the H200 Matters in the AI Arms Race Nvidia’s H200 is…
