US Lawmakers Express Concerns as Jensen Huang Heads to Beijing
Nvidia CEO
Jensen Huang is facing mounting pressure from US lawmakers as he prepares for a high-profile trip to China. The visit comes at a critical juncture for the company, recently named the world’s most valuable, as it navigates tightening US export controls on advanced chips to China.
Background: Meetings in Washington and China
On Thursday, Huang reportedly met with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., prior to his planned journey to Beijing. While details of this meeting remain private, multiple outlets have confirmed its occurrence. The Financial Times reports Huang is expected to meet top Chinese officials while attending the International Supply Chain Expo, which opens in Beijing next Wednesday[1][2].
Impact of US Chip Restrictions
Nvidia has recently been affected by escalating US restrictions targeting semiconductor exports to China. In April, the Trump administration expanded on previous policies, blocking not only general AI chips but also the China-specific H20 processors Nvidia had engineered to comply with earlier regulations. The company disclosed that the H20 ban, combined with related tax impacts, led to a
$4.5 billion reduction in its net income for the first quarter and warned of an additional
$8 billion hit for the second quarter[1].
Nvidia’s China Strategy and New Product Launch
In response, Nvidia is preparing to launch a new product: the
Blackwell RTX Pro 6000 processor, a chip specifically modified to comply with the latest export rules. The stakes are high; China remains a vital market for Nvidia, which has significant business operations in the country and employs numerous staff across the region[1].
Senators’ Warning and Industry Implications
US senators have advised caution, underscoring the security and competitive considerations that underpin current US policy. They emphasized expectations that Nvidia will strictly adhere to American laws as it pursues business in China.
Industry observers suggest that Huang, while committed to US compliance, must also ensure continued access to the Chinese market, which is crucial for Nvidia’s long-term growth. The outcome of his meetings in both Washington and Beijing may signal how American technology companies negotiate the increasingly complex intersection of geopolitics and global commerce[2].
