Trump Enacts Tariffs to Seize 25% of Nvidia and AMD AI Chip Sales to China
President Trump introduces new tariffs on Nvidia and AMD to secure a 25% cut of AI processor sales to China, following the December reversal of H200 export bans.
The U.S. government isn't just regulating tech—it's taking a commission. President Donald Trump has announced a novel tariff scheme designed to collect a 25% cut from Nvidia and AMD's AI processor sales to China. This unprecedented move marks a shift from total export bans to a 'pay-to-play' model for advanced silicon.
The Trump Nvidia AMD China AI Tariffs Scheme
This decision follows a pivotal policy reversal in December 2025, when the White House allowed Nvidia to ship its H200 chips to China. According to industry executives, the new tariffs announced on Wednesday aren't standard trade barriers; they are a legal mechanism to enforce the agreed-upon 25% revenue-sharing deal. By framing these payments as tariffs, the administration aims to shield the arrangement from potential legal challenges regarding executive overreach.
Monetizing Tech Leadership Amid Geopolitical Rivalry
While Nvidia and AMD regain access to the massive Chinese market, the 25% 'toll' significantly impacts their bottom lines. Geopolitical analysts note that this strategy allows the U.S. to maintain a 'chokehold' on AI capabilities while simultaneously generating billions in federal revenue. This 'transactional geopolitics' reflects the administration's preference for deals that offer immediate economic returns alongside strategic control.
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