On Friday, Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang announced he would be absent from the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, opting instead to celebrate the Lunar New Year with staff and their families. Responding to queries in Taipei, he mentioned he had not yet engaged with the incoming Biden administration concerning the new AI export control rules. He expressed his anticipation of congratulating the Trump administration upon taking office.
Huang revealed having luncheon with C.C. Wei, the chairperson of TSMC, Nvidia's primary supplier, discussing the increased production of their advanced AI chips Blackwell. The escalating demand for chips has propelled Nvidia, based in Santa Clara, California, to become one of the world's most valuable companies with a market value exceeding $3 trillion.
The recent U.S. government export limitations on AI chips might complicate Nvidia's ability to fulfill investor expectations for substantial revenue growth. The regulations introduced by President Joe Biden's administration restrict AI chip exports to most nations, with some exceptions for close U.S. allies, such as Taiwan, while imposing controls on exports to other countries, including China, to prevent military capabilities enhancement through advanced chip acquisition.
Nvidia labeled Washington's endeavor to enhance control over AI chip exports a threat to the current U.S. AI leadership. With Trump set to assume the U.S. presidency on Jan. 20, potential enforcement of the regulations remains uncertain, but both administrations share concerns about China's competitive challenge.
The regulations are scheduled to take effect 120 days after publication, allowing the new administration to provide input. Huang was noted to have attended a Nvidia New Year celebration in Shenzhen and is anticipated to visit Beijing on Monday for another company event, according to a Nvidia insider.
Nvidia has not responded to requests for comments.