UNITED STATES: Nvidia has reportedly cut more than half of its authorized Asian customers for artificial intelligence (AI) chips after introducing a new “white list” of companies that passed stricter compliance checks aimed at preventing its products from reaching China.
According to the Financial Times, the move is part of the US chipmaker’s efforts to strengthen export compliance amid tightening US restrictions on advanced AI technology.
Which countries have faced stricter compliance checks?
The report said Nvidia has intensified due diligence over the past several months in Singapore, Malaysia and Japan, reviewing customers to ensure compliance with US export controls.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the report, while Nvidia did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
How has the new review process affected customers?
Under the revised compliance framework, more than half of Nvidia’s previous customers—particularly neo-cloud providers—were reportedly removed from the approved customer list.
Companies that failed the initial review may revise their compliance procedures and reapply for authorization to purchase Nvidia’s AI chips.
Why is the US increasing scrutiny of AI chip exports?
The reported measures follow guidance issued by the US Commerce Department in May aimed at preventing advanced AI chips from reaching overseas subsidiaries of Chinese companies.
US authorities have expressed concerns that Nvidia’s advanced Blackwell processors may have been exported to Chinese-linked entities operating in countries such as Malaysia despite existing export restrictions.